Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Business Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board approves sidewalk seating at 108–110 Front Street amid planning‑board concerns
Summary
The board approved a sidewalk‑seating agreement for 108–110 Front Street after hearing an ADA‑compliant plan; the planning board noted prior denials for safety and spacing, and the Select Board emphasized a new standardized policy and on‑site enforcement by the building inspector.
The Situit Select Board voted unanimously to approve an outdoor‑seating extension for 108–110 Front Street, permitting sidewalk seating for up to 14 patrons under specified hours after a public hearing and staff review.
The applicant presented renderings and said the layout is ADA‑compliant. The planning‑board representative told the Select Board the planning board had previously denied requests for outdoor seating at this site twice, citing inadequate space between trees and building openings and public‑safety concerns. The planning board asked whether the Select Board could override prior planning conditions.
Board members and staff said legal counsel advised that prior planning‑board denials do not necessarily preclude Select Board authorization under the town’s process, and staff described a new standardized outdoor‑seating policy intended to give consistent treatment across businesses and to clarify enforcement roles. The board noted that on‑site compliance will be monitored by the building inspector, who will measure passable sidewalk width and can require changes if the installed layout is not compliant.
After hearing from the planning‑board representative and the applicant and discussing enforcement, the board moved and unanimously approved the sidewalk‑seating agreement and associated sidewalk license. The approval carries the condition that the building inspector verify installation meets ADA and town policy requirements.
Board members said they plan to circulate the finalized policy to the planning board and to seek ongoing feedback as the pilot of standardized seating rules continues.
