Outdoor Dining Allowed Permanently In Falls Twp., Supervisors Say

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — At Monday's meeting, the Falls Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to permanently permit outdoor dining. The new ordinance will take effect on Aug. 21.

As enacted, Falls restaurants could offer outdoor dining either by right or under conditional use. Township Attorney Lauren Gallagher said the ordinance would allow for “more permissive outdoor dining uses” and would codify the provisions that had been tested out at the beginning of the pandemic.

Officials have said residents have enjoyed outdoor dining and offered positive feedback about the pandemic changes.

The ordinance does make some changes to existing outdoor dining spaces. Most notably, restaurants would no longer be permitted to use parking spaces for an outdoor dining area. The ordinance states that “areas for outdoor dining shall not interfere with any means of ingress or egress to a building, or with any emergency or safety exits.”

In addition, restaurants would need to have a minimum sidewalk width of five feet, which is separate from the area reserved for outdoor dining. The ordinance also states that the property “must provide adequate parking for the principal use” and include pedestrian barriers to either enclose or separate outdoor diners from pedestrians or drivers.

Outdoor dining areas can only exist in addition to a freestanding restaurant, bar or tavern, nightclub, lounge, or other related establishment with indoor seating.

The board noted that the outdoor dining ordinance does not necessarily pertain to alcohol sales. Township authorities do not have jurisdiction over alcohol sales and consumption.

Stay informed about what’s going on in Levittown, or in your local area. Sign up for Patch emails and don't miss a minute of local and state news.

Got tips, story ideas, or questions in Lower Bucks County? Email kate.fishman@patch.com.