Revisions delay rules for seating

New restaurant ordinance is introduced by committee

By: Jessica Beym
   The Township Committee introduced a revised version of a proposed ordinance on Monday that would require restaurants to seek licenses before they can provide outdoor seating.
   The ordinance — which would require restaurant owners to have site plan approval and an annual license to offer outdoor dining — had been scheduled for a public hearing and adoption, but the committee agreed to include changes recommended by the Planning Board, meaning a new ordinance was required.
   The new ordinance would extend the length of the license, making it would make licenses effective Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, instead of April 1 through Oct. 31, and would limit outdoor seating to between 7:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. with table service ending at 9:30 p.m.
   The Planning Board will review the ordinance again Sept. 7, at which point they it can make more suggestions or recommend it be adopted by the Township Committee. The Township Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote Sept. 11. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
   Township Committee on Monday made it clear that it did not want to make it difficult for business owners to offer outdoor dining or to acquire the township’s approval.
   "(Township Planner Richard) Preiss did excellent work on this ordinance and I think it is an elegant solution to a problem the Planning Board has been wrestling with for some time," Township Committeeman Richard Stannard said.
   Currently, the Planning Board is responsible for reviewing all restaurant owners’ requests for outdoor dining and, because the downtown area is a mix of residential and business, the board grants approvals on a case-by-case basis. The Hot Wok Cafe was approved for outdoor dining for both lunch and dinner, but Hannah and Mason’s was only allowed it during lunch.
   Other restaurants have put tables outside without the Planning Board’s approval.
   If approved, the ordinance will require all restaurant owners to submit an outdoor dining site plan to the Planning Board if they have not done so already. Once site plan approval is given, the owner must then apply for a license with the township clerk. Insurance and site plan approval must be proven to get the license.
   Township Committee members also decided to allow existing restaurant owners up to six months after the adoption of the ordinance to apply for site plan approval.
   Township Committeeman David Stout said this change would allow restaurant owners to finish up the season before formally requesting approval.
   The ordinance lists the specific regulations that restaurant owners must adhere to in their site plan and the operation of the restaurant. Some of those regulations include:
   • giving a 4-foot clearance on sidewalks for pedestrians;
   • prohibiting music, entertainment or food preparation outside;
   • requiring that light, noise and loitering must be controlled;
   • limiting dining to the front of restaurants. Restaurant owners must request a variance to have tables on the side of their restaurants.
   If restaurant owners do not comply with the regulations, their license could be revoked or denied renewal.
   The Cranbury Police Department would also be charged with enforcing the regulations.
   JoAnne Palmer, owner of Cranbury Pizza, said Monday that she did not think restaurant owners would have a problem following the regulations.
   "I feel, as a business owner, we act responsibly and if we had a problem we’d be happy to comply with any complaint," Ms. Palmer said.