A. Sidewalk Cafe Development and Design Criteria
1. Clear Path. There shall be a minimum clear distance of 50 percent of the distance from the property line to the curb line, but in no event less than six feet of paved sidewalk, free of all obstructions, in order to allow adequate pedestrian movement.
The minimum distance shall be measured from the portion of the sidewalk cafe frontage which is nearest either the curb line or the nearest obstruction within the sidewalk area. In no event may recesses in the sidewalk cafe frontage be used to satisfy this unobstructed width requirement. A clearance of six feet shall be maintained around the corners of sidewalk cafes, measured in radius.
For the purpose of minimum clear path, parking meters, traffic signs, trees, and all similar obstacles shall constitute obstructions.
An exception to the minimum clear path distance and paved sidewalk width may be granted after a review of pedestrian volumes and existing street conditions by the Department of Public Works.
2. Street Intersections. A sidewalk cafe shall be permitted on one side only of an establishment located at a street intersection.
3. Cafe Boundary. No portion of a sidewalk cafe, such as gates or any objects placed within the sidewalk cafe, shall swing or project beyond the designated exterior perimeter of the sidewalk cafe.
B. General Design Consideration
1. Fixtures. The furnishings of the interior of a sidewalk cafe shall consist solely of moveable tables, moveable chairs and moveable umbrellas. Landscaping may be placed either in moveable planters or planted in the ground inside defined cafe area adjacent to the railing or fence. Lighting fixtures may be permanently affixed onto the exterior front of the main building.
2. Signage. No signs are permitted on a sidewalk cafe except that the name and type of establishment may appear on umbrellas or the valance of an awning.
3. Refuse Storage Area. No structure or enclosure to accommodate the storage of trash or garbage shall be erected or placed on, adjacent to or separate from the sidewalk cafe on the public right-of-way.
C. Safety
1. Lighting, Railings. Adequate lighting and provisions of barriers and railings for sidewalk cafes shall be provided. The barriers shall be adequately designed so that unsafe conditions are not created for the physically disabled, blind and partially sighted. No cantilevered projections shall be permitted. A change in paving pattern and texture may be required to alert pedestrians of a change in a sidewalk use.
2. Awnings or Umbrellas. Awnings or umbrellas may be used in conjunction with a sidewalk cafe. Awnings shall be adequately secured, retractable. At no point shall height of the awning including the valance be less than 7'0" from the floor of the sidewalk cafe.
3. Planters, Railings, or Fences. All railings or fences placed around a sidewalk cafe shall be permanently fixed to the sidewalk to clearly define the area. No solid walls will be permitted. Landscaping can be either in planters or planted in the ground. In order to maximize visual access, the height of the railing or planter shall not exceed three feet.
4. Elevation. The sidewalk cafe should be at the same elevation as the adjoining sidewalk.
5. Minimum Distance Between Sidewalk Cafes and Adjacent Business Entrance. No portion of a sidewalk cafe shall be located within eight feet of the entrance to a ground floor commercial use other than an entrance to a sidewalk cafe.
6. Enclosure. A clear, transparent, shatterproof glass or similar substitute may be used to enclose the cafe to minimize windy or cold climatic conditions. The enclosure must meet the following requirements:
a. The transparent enclosure, including the railings or fencing, cannot be higher than five feet.
b. Awnings cannot be used as a cafe covering when an enclosure is also used.
c. The transparent enclosure must be removable or retractable.