§ 17.20.8.050. Sidewalk café.

A.

Generally. The provisions of this section provide the opportunity for restaurants in identified areas of the City to use adjoining public sidewalks and other public rights-of-way (not to include those controlled by the State of Montana) for the purpose of providing outdoor seating.

B.

Purpose. The provisions of this section are intended to accomplish the following purposes:

1.

Enhance the pedestrian ambiance of the City by promoting additional activity on City sidewalks and visual interest.

2.

Enhance the appropriate use of existing public spaces.

3.

Increase economic activity in the area.

C.

Location. A sidewalk café shall be located directly in front of the restaurant with which it is associated and it shall be operated solely in conjunction with such restaurant.

D.

Obstructions. A sidewalk café may not interfere with any public service facilities located within the street right-of-way, including public telephones, mailboxes, public signs, public benches, public art, public fountains, and bus stops. In addition, a sidewalk café may not interfere with fire escapes, drop ladders, building access points, and other points of normal or emergency access.

E.

Pedestrian movement. No portion of the sidewalk café may impede pedestrian movement. Generally, a four-foot wide unobstructed walkway allows adequate pedestrian movement.

F.

Planters. Planters may be used as a visual amenity and to frame off the space allocated for the sidewalk café. The size of plant materials shall be compatible in scale with the immediate area. Hanging planters are not permitted.

G.

Lighting. Lighting shall be limited to table top lamps of low intensity. The Director of Planning and Community Development may allow additional lighting to provide appropriate levels for safety.

H.

Furnishings. All furnishings shall fit the character of a public streetscape. Umbrellas over each table may be permitted if it does not create an obstruction.

I.

Floor covering. A floor covering may not be used in the sidewalk café.

J.

Tables. Round tables may not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in diameter and square tables may not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in width.

K.

Food preparation. All food shall be prepared within the restaurant.

(Ord. No. 3056, § 1, 8-17-2010)