OutdoorCafeSeatingAmendment_060121 — File 212050

451 SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE | 05/27/21 10. Development Standards Outdoor Cafe Seating 10.5 OUTDOOR CAFE SEATING 1. Applicability a. This section is applicable to all outdoor cafe seating located in a frontage area or on a public sidewalk. 2. Development Review a. Outdoor cafe seating is permitted by Site Plan Approval only as an ancillary activity of any Food & Beverage Service principal use. 3. Cafe Area Dimensions a. Outdoor cafe seating areas must be between six (6) feet and fifteen (15) feet in depth from the facade the building. b. A minimum four (4) foot wide clear path of access must be maintained to the principal entrance. c. Outdoor cafe seating must be located adjacent to and may not extend beyond the establishment it serves. d. Outdoor cafe seating areas must comply with the sidewalk standards of Article 8 Public Realm Standards. 4. Furniture a. Furnishings may only consist of movable tables, movable chairs, movable umbrellas, required enclosures, and portable or mounted heaters. b. All furnishing must be commercial grade and manufactured for outdoor use of safe, sturdy, and durable materials, such as wood, steel, or wrought iron. c. When not intended for use during the winter months, outdoor cafe furnishings must be removed and stored indoors. d. Tables and chairs for each establishment must match in material and style. e. Tables larger than three (3) feet six (6) inches in width or diameter are not permitted. f. Standing or stooled table ledges, if provided, must be eighteen (18) inches in depth. g. Heaters are encouraged to extend the use of outdoor cafe seating during colder weather. The following standards apply: Figure 10.5.1  Outdoor Cafe Seating

452 | SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE 05/27/21 10. Development Standards Outdoor Cafe Seating i. Heating fixtures require approval by the Fire Department. ii. Heaters may be freestanding or mounted to the underside of an awning. iii. Portable heaters must be stored indoors when the business is closed. h. Host stands should complement the chairs and tables in material and style. 5. Weather Protection a. Awnings or individual table umbrellas are encouraged to provide protection from the weather. i. Awnings must be secured to a storefront or other exterior wall of a building. ii. Awnings and umbrellas should be canvas or other non-vinyl material. iii. Awnings and umbrellas should provided shade for at least fifty percent (50%) of the outdoor cafe seating when provided. b. Vertical wind breaks may be provided on each end of the cafe area, provided that the wind break is attached to and fits completely under an awning. c. Any necessary frames or supports for awnings or windbreaks are permitted. 6. Enclosures a. The perimeter of outdoor cafe seating areas must be defined and enclosed on all sides by any combination of metal fencing, bollards and chain, or planters. b. Metal Fencing i. Fencing must be thirty-six (36) inches or less in height. ii. The maximum gap permitted between fence segments is four (4) inches. c. Bollards & Chain i. Metal or wooden bollards must be thirty-six (36) inches or less in height. ii. Bollards may be linked with rope or chain that hangs at least thirty (30) inches from the ground at its lowest point. d. Planter Boxes i. Planters or planter enclosures must be between eighteen (18) inches and twenty-four (24) inches in height. ii. The combined height of planters and live plants must not exceed four (4) feet from sidewalk grade. iii. Healthy, living plants are required. iv. Planters and flower boxes must be made of safe, durable materials manufactured for outdoor use.