The purpose of the first chapter is to set forth regulations for commercial outdoor display and dining to encroaching into the right-of-way of a neighboring business that is on private property as an auxiliary element of that business. It is intended that commercial outdoor display and dining will not unduly interfere with public access or use a design that distracts the look and appeal of the surrounding landscape. It is also intended to protect the privacy of those who frequent the businesses on both sides of the restaurant or store, and it is designed to prevent undue interference with the enjoyment of the areas in the proximity of those businesses.
Outdoor dining and display serve to enhance the overall appeal of both businesses located next to each other. Restaurant owners can choose from a variety of outdoor dining establishments ranging from a casual barbeque stand to an elaborate dinner theatre, and business owners can set up a table outside to sell items to patrons. In addition to serving food, outdoor display and dining can be a source of revenue for businesses located nearby and offer additional ways for customers to connect with their local area’s businesses. Businesses that offer outdoor displays and dining opportunities attract clients who are searching for an attractive and pleasant place to eat, and they help to establish a positive image of both businesses in the minds of potential customers.
Most restaurant owners prefer to have a restaurant on either the sidewalk or in front of their establishment, but some may have a sidewalk that has to be temporarily removed while construction is being done, or a section of sidewalk that is blocked during a construction project. Because restaurants are often in high-traffic areas, they may want to consider offering an outdoor patio for diners and a restaurant inside for employees.
Restaurant and business owners need to ensure that the area that is being constructed will not negatively impact access to public roads and parking lots. Outdoor dining establishments can be a valuable resource for businesses located next to them. Outdoor dining may also provide restaurant owners with a way to generate additional sales while providing an attractive way for people to enjoy their business. When outdoor dining is incorporated into a business owner’s marketing campaign, it helps to increase his or her sales revenue.
Restaurant and business owners who provide a restaurant or other outdoor dining space can also benefit from using an outdoor patio or other form of entertainment for patrons who would rather spend their time outdoors instead of inside their establishment. Outdoor dining can be a source of additional sales and a means of interacting with a community or a specific demographic, as well as a venue for attracting more people to the restaurant or business.
As more businesses are turning to outdoor dining opportunities, it is important for restaurant and other businesses to work with local government officials to create regulations that will allow them to continue to use public roads and parking lots. A city should not limit outdoor dining options so that a specific group of individuals can enjoy eating outdoors, but it is important to be consistent in allowing for outdoor dining on public roads and parking lots, which are usually the first place many people see when entering a business. When a business owner is creating a marketing strategy, he or she should consider the impact that outdoor dining can have on a neighborhood’s appearance and the effect that it can have on its visitors and on the appearance and safety of its business.