Downtown Restaurant Approved for Sidewalk Cafe

City Councilors have unanimously granted The District approval to bring back its sidewalk cafe with alcohol service this summer.

The District now joins Surf, Ri Ra, Popovers on the Square and State Street Saloon which had their sidewalk cafe applications approved by the council earlier this month. According to city documents, The District's sidewalk cafe will occupy 467 square feet and will include 17 tables and 34 chairs. The restaurant's owners will pay the city a $4,670 fee.

The council will accept written applications for the city's one remaining outdoor dining slots until May 1, but it is not known yet if any other restaurants will pursue a sidewalk cafe.

According to the city's outdoor dining policy, licenses are granted on an annual basis for a six-month period from mid-April through mid-October. The city will charge businesses a $10 per square foot fee for the area used for outdoor dining and the minimum fee would be $2,000, even if the size of the area is less than 200 square feet.

In Market Square, the policy states the minimum width for the pedestrian way adjacent to the area shall be 10- to 12- feet depending on the site conditions. In all other areas where sidewalk cafes are allowed, the minimum width for pedestrian ways adjacent to the area shall be a minimum of 5 feet and meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. The policy also calls for no smoking and no outdoor music.