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Outdoor dining considered along Chardon Square
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - March 17, 2010)
Outdoor dining considered along Chardon Square
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Chardon City Council indicated that it wants to act quickly to allow outdoor dining on Main Street.
Councilwoman Leslie Bednar said last week that, as a result of an on-site visit and discussion with Heritage Ohio's Main Street program representatives, businesses are looking forward to extending their dining opportunities to the outdoors. She said businesses are asking for the city's cooperation in making outdoor dining possible.
Mrs. Bednar said the outdoor dining areas could be extended beyond the front of a business, if neighboring businesses agree. Businesses are hoping to get approval by May 1, she said.
Council agreed to refer the matter to its legislative committee for discussion.
John Sheehan, Chardon's planning and zoning administrator, said a rewrite of the city's planning and zoning code has a provision that would address the request. But he said the new provisions have yet to be adopted.
He said space limitations would allow little ability for businesses to put in outdoor seating. He said they most likely would be restricted to one table with a couple of chairs right up against the buildings. "Their ability to do something is not practical," Mr. Sheehan said.
Law Director James Gillette said any action by council likely would have to include approval for tables and chairs to be located within the public rights of way.
He said most of the properties along Main Street have limited area between the fronts of their buildings and the rights of way. He said council would have to approve use of the rights of way for the outdoor dining.
A second issue is those who wish to serve alcohol, he said, because state law require alcohol to be consumed on the premise. He said council could permit the consumption of alcohol on the property, but not within the rights of way.
Businesses must apply for a permit from the state to allow outdoor consumption.
Mrs. Bednar said the city may attempt to create legislation that would allocate a certain space for the outdoor dining, while still maintaining a space for pedestrians.
Council President Philip King said there are three restaurants operating along Chardon Square. He said people would like outdoor dining opportunities, and council should work to craft legislation that would provide for that service.
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