Paramus Eases Outdoor Dining Restrictions

There may soon be more tables and chairs popping up outside some Paramus eateries in the warm weather months.

Paramus' governing body has given the green light to a new process for which eateries in town can get the okay to offer outdoor dining.

Restaurants, including coffee, ice cream and yogurt shops, can now apply for a permit from the building department rather than having to go through the more lengthy and costly process of seeking approval from the borough's zoning or planning boards, explained Mayor Richard LaBarbiera. 

Eateries would pay a "modest fee" for the permit, said LaBarbiera. The businesses would need to apply with the building department and the engineer would review the space and determine how many tables and chairs could be placed outside the property, he explained.

The mayor said businesses had to previously go through quite an extensive process through the zoning or planning boards without guarantee of approval. This now streamlines it by way of seeking a permit with the building department.

LaBarbiera previously stated this was something the borough believed would be of benefit to both businesses and residents.

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