To continue to support economic development in downtown Saco, sidewalk retail and restaurant operations are available from April 1 through December 1 annually. Any street-level retail or restaurant business in the Downtown Zoning District that abuts a City sidewalk is eligible.
Sidewalk vending in the City of Saco shall conform to requirements as outlined in Chapter 132, license and Registration, Chapter 219, Victualers' licenses, other applicable City policies and ordinances, and the following:
A.
The area occupied shall be that portion of abutting sidewalk which least infringes on public use, passage, and traffic as determined by, and at the complete discretion of, the City of Saco.
B.
The sidewalk operations area may not extend in front of an adjoining establishment without written permission from the neighboring property owner. Businesses may be permitted to expand onto the sidewalk in front of adjacent establishments provided sufficient documentation of an agreement with the property owner is provided.
C.
Consumer-grade extension cords cannot be used to deliver electricity to an outside area, establishments wishing to extend electricity to an outside area are strongly recommended to consult with a qualified electrician.
D.
All sidewalk operations areas shall be under the responsible direction and control of the restaurant or retail business as identified in this application.
E.
All temporary outdoor areas must be as continuous as possible by locating the outdoor area in a single portion of an establishment's frontage; it must be located adjacent to the building or near the curb.
F.
Sidewalk operations areas must be clearly marked and maintain a safe path at all times of at least four feet in width to allow for unimpeded, unobstructed pedestrian traffic.
G.
Building entrances, accessible parking spaces, firetruck access, dumpster access, and any furniture or fixtures related to outdoor areas must remain completely unobstructed.
H.
All improvements (i.e., furniture, fixtures) used in the designated area must be temporary in nature and there shall be no penetration of public walkway surfaces.
I.
The establishment must comply with all applicable City, state, and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.
J.
Any establishment wishing to allow the consumption of alcohol in the sidewalk operations area must have a current on-premises liquor license and extension of license privileges from the State of Maine Bureau of Alcohol Beverages and Lottery Operations.