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BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ – At their May 12 meeting, the Brick Township Council will consider an ordinance that will make it easier for restaurants to establish outdoor dining areas. The ordinance establishes a process that will give restaurant owners the ability to apply for a seasonal outdoor dining permit through the Zoning office instead of having to undergo a full site plan approval. This week, Mayor John Ducey approved the ordinance.
Ducey said so far, several restaurants have inquired about the new ordinance including, Windward Tavern, Beacon 70, Mantoloking Road Ale House, Rosalitas, Tre’ Pizza, Ikko Hibachi and River Rock
“The idea behind this ordinance is to help our local businesses. It is likely that when restaurants begin reopening that there will be social distancing rules in place that will reduce the number of available seats,” said Mayor John G. Ducey. “This ordinance will give restaurants the opportunity to increase the number of guests they can serve.”
The ordinance – which was discussed and put together by the administration and the Council Land Use Committee – will create a seasonal permit that is valid for 12 months that will allow restaurants to place seating for patrons outside of their building. Permit applications will be reviewed by the Zoning Officer, Police Department and Fire Marshall to ensure the application meets established laws, rules, regulations and codes.
The ordinance requires applicants to establish an outdoor dining area and provide details of barriers, spacing between tables, aisles and entrances to area. Restaurants will be responsible for ensuring furniture is secured, litter is managed, dining area is washed and noise ordinance are adhered to.
Outdoor dining areas will be permitted to operate from 7am until 10pm Monday through Thursday and 7am until 11pm Friday through Sunday.