City Of West Palm Beach Updates Ordinance For Citywide Sidewalk Café Seating

West Palm Beach FL

15 April, 2021

6:48 PM

Description

From the City of West Palm Beach: April 15, 2021 At the City Commission meeting on Monday, March 22, 2021, commissioners approved Ordinance 4936-21 which defines the permissible areas and placement of sidewalk seating. The ordinance was designed to ensure that the public space is equitable for both passersby and restaurant or business patrons alike. These changes are being made after the completion of the Clematis Streetscape Project and after the COVID-19 pandemic heightened the importance of ensuring ample space between individuals to help curb the spread of the virus. The ordinance calls for a minimum width clearance along pedestrian paths / sidewalks at specific locations: Clematis Street, between Flagler Drive and Rosemary Avenue – 6 ft. Rosemary Avenue, between Clematis Street and Okeechobee Blvd. – 6 ft. All other downtown locations – 5 ft. Outside the downtown area – 3 ft. 8 in. The ordinance also includes specifications for placement of tables and chairs, signage, umbrellas, lighting, and other elements within sidewalk cafes. An amendment to the current fee schedule for use of the public right of way for sidewalk cafe seating pertaining to restaurants and retail businesses was tabled for future consideration. While the sidewalk seating along Clematis Street was the focus of the initial concern, Ordinance 4936-21 will apply to all establishments throughout the City. To read the ordinance in its entirety, click here. For questions about this ordinance, or about the fee schedule resolution, please contact the City's Development Services Department at (561) 822-1435 (TTY: 800-955-8771). This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.