The City’s Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability is now accepting applications for the 2023 Outdoor Dining program for eligible restaurants.
Donor Name: City of Medford
State: Massachusetts
City: Medford
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
Details:
The City is now accepting applications for restaurants and eateries interested in offering outdoor dining options. Medford’s outdoor dining season lasts from March 1 to October 31.
The City is looking to accommodate as many restaurants as possible for the 2023 season, subject to a review of factors including physical geography, availability of space/accommodation for neighboring businesses, accessibility, health and safety requirements, and others deemed necessary by City staff.
Eligibility Criteria
- All restaurants interested in expanding their premises to include outdoor areas for dining, including but not limited to full table service, seating areas for take-out, café seating or benches, must apply through the City’s outdoor dining permitting system.
- Restaurants planning to serve alcohol in outdoor dining areas must also apply for an Alteration of Premises license from the Medford License Commission.
Outdoor Dining – Design Guidelines
- Barriers should be made of weather resistant material, including concrete, wood, metal, plastic, or composites. Barriers may be decorated with art or other features. Wood can be painted or stenciled. Barriers should be sturdy and substantial – outdoor dining occupants should not be able to move or topple a barrier.
- Painting, art, landscaping, and planters are encouraged as decoration. Planters may be added to or integrated into a barrier but must not impede sightlines or the structural integrity of a barrier.
- A canopy may be attached to a barrier for weather protection, provided there is an unencumbered opening from the top of the barrier to the edge of the canopy that provides sufficient sightlines for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. A building permit is required to build a roof or canopy of any size. Heaters cannot be located under a canopy, roof or tent.
- Umbrellas are encouraged but must be fully secured and/or brought inside when they are not in operation. When open, they cannot extend over the boundaries of the approved outdoor dining area.
- Flooring is strongly encouraged for park let seating. It should not be used for sidewalk seating areas. Flooring should be made of sturdy durable materials. Avoid materials that create slippery conditions in wet weather. Flooring must meet MAAB requirements for accessibility and provide access to utilities.
- Any lighting on a barrier should be directed at outdoor dining occupants, not the roadway. Solar lighting is encouraged. Outdoor-rated, decorative low voltage, plugin lighting (any lighting or equipment that uses 50 volts of electricity or less) does not need an electrical permit.
- An electric permit is required for wiring that is being run from a building to a seating area, when there are other types of lighting used, or when electric outlets are provided.
- All decorations, materials, lighting, structural and design aspects must be included in the initial license application.
For more information, visit City of Medford.
