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Selectboard asks staff to draft changes to sidewalk-dining ordinance to support local businesses
Summary
The board reviewed Section 13-13 (use of town-owned sidewalks for commercial dining). The Planning Commission generally supports business-friendly changes; staff will prepare a draft amendment to avoid yearly exceptions and have it ready for future action.
Selectboard members on June 9 discussed possible amendments to Chapter XIII, Section 13-13, which governs use of town-owned sidewalks for commercial dining. Scott Murphy said the ordinance in place "would forbid the arrangement at Christos," and that exemptions granted during the COVID period do not fit the current ordinance language. The Planning Commission signaled general support for helping local businesses but recommended editing ordinance language for clarity.
Board members said they want a codified approach so restaurants and retailers can comply year-to-year without seeking repeated exceptions. Jonathan West said changes to district language may be required and asked staff to prepare a draft for review so that any new rules can be in place by Jan. 1. Murphy agreed to relay the board’s specific requests to the Planning Commission and prepare a draft ordinance amendment.
