Palatine regulates outdoor dining

With dining al fresco on Palatine's sidewalks growing increasingly popular, the village wants to ensure all its restaurants are operating under a uniform set of rules.

Councilmen on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance that regulates -- and in some cases clarifies -- issues including maintenance, public health and insurance.

Under the new law, outdoor cafes in public rights of way are limited to a 16-square-block area bound by Plum Grove Road and Johnson, Smith and Wood streets.

Eateries currently holding this type of license agreement are Gumbo A Go Go, Mexico Uno, POP's and Uptown Café.

Though the geographical boundaries weren't law, Palatine officials say they never intended a restaurant outside the downtown area be permitted to use its sidewalks for outdoor dining. The new ordinance clarifies the restriction, along with other standards.

For example, the remaining portion of a sidewalk not being utilized by a restaurant must meet a minimum width requirement. Music may not exceed conversation level, and the outdoor cafes can operate only from April 1 through Nov. 1.

To avoid renegade paper plates and plastic flatware, restaurants must use the same materials outside as they do indoors. Furnishings must be heavyweight and durable, the ordinance states.

The new law also clarifies the cost of a license. Restaurants pay a $100 annual fee, not $100 per table as some previously interpreted.

Officials say the new standards will make it easier for the village to issue, track and renew licenses as downtown Palatine continues to develop.

Currently, there aren't any pending applications from restaurants seeking to utilize Palatine's rights of ways for outdoor dining.