Lombard looks to simplify outdoor dining requirements

In Lombard's ongoing quest to revitalize its downtown, the next area of focus will be outdoor dining, trustees said during Thursday night's village board meeting.

Trustees began discussing a proposal to simplify regulations on aspects of outdoor dining including required sidewalk space, accessibility, smoking, waste disposal, alcohol consumption and a possible waiver of the permit fee for this year.

Proposed changes to the village code that would establish simpler guidelines for outdoor eating downtown will be sent back to the economic and community development committee to be refined before a village board vote May 3.

The committee will tackle questions about whether restaurant staff will be required to monitor outdoor dining areas when people are drinking alcohol and what should be done with tables and chairs when restaurants aren't open.

Trustee Peter Breen said the economic and community development committee, which he leads, is aiming to decrease the layers of government regulation over outdoor dining and make it easier for downtown restaurants such as Punky's Pub and The Corner House, a coffee shop set to open later this month, to serve food outside.

Breen said more outdoor dining is “the No. 1 thing” residents and downtown supporters would like to see.

“It provides a visible sign of our downtown's improvement,” Breen said. “Outdoor dining also assists the village at no cost.”

Trustee Greg Gron said he'd like to see more outdoor dining in downtown Lombard, but he wondered if there is enough sidewalk space not occupied by garbage cans, light poles and benches to allow for tables, chairs and safe pedestrian passage.

Community Development Director Bill Heniff said staff evaluated all downtown restaurants and vacant properties that could become eateries to determine how outdoor dining areas could be designed.

“We found at least some level of accommodation for our establishments,” Heniff said.

Restaurants may have to use small tables close to the building to leave enough sidewalk space for pedestrians, and it may not be possible for some restaurants to offer more than two or three tables outside.

Breen said outdoor dining will bring more people to downtown, and he'd like to get simpler regulations in place so more restaurants can begin serving customers outside by this summer, Memorial Day or even the Lilac Parade on May 20.