Moorestown Takes Step Toward Permanent Outdoor Dining

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown Council took the first step toward making outdoor dining a permanent part of life in the township Monday night.

Township Council unanimously approved a proposed ordinance on introduction during Monday night's meeting that amends the township code to create a more permanent process that would allow restaurants to establish outdoor dining within certain parameters and conditions.

“This is an exciting addition to our local laws,” Councilman Jake Van Dyken said. “This will allow our restaurants to engage in outside-the-box thinking to increase revenue, and allow them to have more than just indoor dining during the winter.”

“Everyone loves how outdoor dining is going and how Main Street looks,” Deputy Mayor Sue Mammarella said. “I’ve talked to people who said they would gladly don their ski gear and come dine outside in the winter.”

The decision comes after Moorestown Council passed temporary legislation last summer to allow outdoor dining at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here: Moorestown Gives Final Approval To Outdoor Dining Plan

In December, it extended that legislation. Read more here: Outdoor Dining In Moorestown Extended Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

That legislation will soon expire, and the township wanted to do something to help the restaurant industry, which has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

Restaurants that obtain a specific permit will be permitted to expand outdoor dining to decks, patios and sidewalks and relatively level grass areas contiguous with the establishment, as long as those areas are contiguous to the establishment, don’t interfere with pedestrian traffic and are safe for customers.

Outdoor dining areas may have outdoor heaters, as long as they are in locations identified on the plan and subject to inspection by the township zoning officer and/or the fire department. Outdoor cooking is not permitted. The full text of the proposed ordinance can be found here.