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Commission says outdoor dining boosts vibrancy, asks staff to update sidewalk-dining ordinance
Summary
The Planning Commission reviewed a Selectboard request to revisit the town's sidewalk-dining ordinance, noted the ordinance references outdated zoning districts, and supported outdoor dining for community vibrancy while asking staff to update zoning references and consider noise rules.
Town staff told the commission the Selectboard asked for a review of the sidewalk-dining ordinance; staff noted the ordinance cites zoning districts that no longer exist after a recent rezoning and recommended the document be updated to reflect current zoning. Commissioners agreed that outdoor dining can contribute to vibrancy but emphasized it must not compromise public safety.
Commissioner Thomas West said outdoor dining "contributes to a larger sense of community and vibrancy throughout the town," and other members agreed while raising safety caveats. Commissioner Mark Shoener asked whether the ordinance’s reference to "reasonable" noise levels for commercial spaces means there is still a need for a separate noise ordinance, asking, "Is there still a need for a standalone noise ordinance?" The commission asked town staff to draft updates that replace obsolete zoning references and return proposed text for consideration at a future meeting.
