Township to Consider Allowing Outdoor Dining

The governing body may soon consider a proposal to allow dining establishments to set up outdoor tables, an idea favored by the majority of Wyckoff eateries.

The Township Committee decided Tuesday to ask the Planning Board and Police Department for guidance before considering the measure, which could be on the governing body's agenda by its next meeting, scheduled for July 20.

Wyckoff officials had initially put off talk of permitting outdoor dining, saying it wanted to wait until Boulder Run construction was nearing completion. Most recently, the idea was shelved while the committee dealt with immediately pressing concerns.

"Now that the budget is completed, and school budget work is completed, and we're moving into a different phase, perhaps we should look at that," said Mayor Rudy Boonstra, in response to Committeeman Brian Scanlan's request for action on the matter.

Boonstra later said the outside reviews would probe the logistics and safety of allowing restaurants to set up tables outside, with an interest in determining such a move's effect on traffic, parking and the like.

Township code mandates strict off-street parking requirements for eating establishments, such as a deli or coffee shop, as well as restaurants with table service, requiring spaces based on gross floor area and seating, respectively. A draft ordinance prepared by Scanlan states that outdoor tables could not "in any way interfere with or reduce the amount of legally required off-street parking."

Scanlan's draft also attempts to sharply regulate the placement of outdoor tables, with various measures included related to safety concerns. For example, any establishment licensed to feature outdoor tables could not restrict access needed for emergency responders or interfere with pedestrians' right-of-way. Business owners would not be able to use parking space for tables, and a six-foot-wide paved surface for pedestrians would have to be maintained. Alcohol service would not be permitted; nor would any outdoor cooking, music or lighting.

The ordinance, which could be amended upon further review before the committee considers it, would limit outdoor dining from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with restaurateurs permitted only to place temporary tables and chairs directly in front of their establishments while respecting the six-foot buffer. Such a provision would not allow several of Wyckoff's eateries to feature outdoor dining, due to lack of space.

For example, the owners of Wyckoff Pizza, Aldo's, the Brick House, Giovanni's Restaurant and Pizzeria and the Barn all doubted whether their properties would be suitable for outdoor dining, although all backed the proposal.

"If you have the space, it is a great thing. People like to eat outside," said Aldo Casio, owner of Aldo's and the Brick House.

Artie Toufayan, owner of Cafe Amici, had said, "I am totally in favor of this. People would love to have that option here."

Eateries wouldn't automatically be permitted to place tables outside should the governing body adopt an ordinance. Instead, they would have to fill out applications costing $300 that would be vetted by the zoning code enforcement official, Fred Depken. The draft of the ordinance would give Depken the authority to consider pedestrian safety; vehicular safety; public safety; design; cleanup plans; impact any landscaping; and the possibility of interference with emergency responder access when considering an application.

The zoning code official also would have sole authority to approve, deny or grant conditional approval on an application, although restaurant owners would be able to appeal an unfavorable decision to the zoning Board of Adjustment.