Buffalo Common Council Introduces Sidewalk Café Ordinance Amendment - Buffalo Rising

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The City of Buffalo Common Council has created an “innovative” ordinance amendment that governs sidewalk cafés. Common Council has adopted the proposed amendment, labeled Chapter 413-59 Sidewalk Cafés Ordinance Amendment, which aims to create a more lively outdoor dining scene, by encouraging restaurants to extend their services onto the sidewalks of public streets. The ordinance amendment was signed by Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown for immediate passage.

“Buffalo is renowned for its diverse food culture and this will allow restaurants to extend their services to utilize outdoor space,” said co-sponsor of this ordinance amendment Delaware District Council Member Joel P. Feroleto. 

A vibrant patio scene is indicative of a healthy city. The idea to extend patios further into commercial street settings initially came about during the pandemic. At that time, there was a need to provide more accommodating outdoor dining settings (see here). Now that life is somewhat back to normal, the City is encouraging restaurants and cafés to continue to “push the boundaries,” by providing their customers with extended outdoor seating arrangements.

“This ordinance amendment is about fostering a sense of community and providing restaurant owners with an opportunity to expand their businesses,” said co-sponsor of this ordinance amendment North District Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. “By promoting sidewalk cafés, we give residents and visitors a chance to experience Buffalo’s cuisine in an enjoyable outdoor setting, bringing people together and creating a more inclusive and livelier city atmosphere.”

The City is encouraging restaurant owners to think beyond the basic patio scenario, to amplify their offerings by providing more unique outdoor dining settings.

Of course there are guidelines which must be followed:

The amendment specifies that restaurant owners must submit a plot plan detailing various aspects, such as the size and location of the restaurant structure, dimensions of the sidewalk area, hours of operation, seating arrangements, and accessibility measures for persons with disabilities. These applications will be reviewed by the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks, and Streets, as well as the City Planning Board, before being presented to the Common Council for approval.

To ensure a safe and accessible environment for pedestrians, the amendment sets clear conditions, including maximum width and unobstructed passageway requirements. Additionally, sidewalk cafés must be removed during the winter months, except when approved by the Common Council and Department of Public Works, Parks, and Streets, provided they don’t impede pedestrian traffic or snow removal.

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Buffalo Common Council Introduces Sidewalk Café Ordinance Amendment - Buffalo Rising
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