A.
Outdoor dining components must allow safe passage of pedestrian traffic. A continuous, unobstructed sidewalk passage of four feet from the outer boundary of the seating area to the curb must be maintained. If the sidewalk passage is not straight due to existing obstacles, then additional width may be required. The Fire Department shall review the plan to see if four feet is adequate for sidewalk maintained width.
B.
Parking spaces may be converted for outdoor dining. Up to 33% of the existing on-site parking spaces may be utilized if off-site or on-street parking is available within 0.25 mile or 1,320 feet of the front door to the restaurant. For existing businesses, this shall be reviewed by staff as a de-minimis change to the existing site plan.
C.
Requests for the use of adjacent on-street parking spaces or right-of-way for outdoor dining installations require Town Manager and, if applicable, Maine DOT review and approval.
D.
Egress must be maintained free of obstruction.
E.
Permanent fixtures, such as awnings, may require a building permit.
F.
Umbrellas do not require a permit. Umbrellas must be secured and maintain height clearance for sidewalk passage. Umbrellas may have embroidered or screen-printed logos advertising products.
G.
Umbrellas and awnings must be kept in good condition without having tears, holes, be extensively faded, and/or in a state of disrepair.
H.
Fencing and barriers do not require a permit. Stanchions and ropes are encouraged. If barriers such as fencing are proposed, they must be freestanding, shall not exceed 42 inches in height and may not include commercial signage. Physical attachments to a building are not allowed. Sectional fencing is allowed with a high degree of visual transparency (at least 50% open).
I.
Temporary tents or structures may be used. Building permits for temporary structures are required.
J.
The applicant/owner is responsible for keeping the outdoor seating area clean.
K.
No food shall be prepared in the designated outdoor dining area, unless the proper state permit is obtained.
M.
Flowers, planters and exterior string lighting are allowed. Lights may not be blinking, running or otherwise activated.