§ 146-536. Standards and criteria for application review.

(a)

The following standards and criteria shall be used in reviewing the application and design drawings to determine if the proposed location is suitable and will not obstruct free and proper use of the public right-of-way.

(1)

The sidewalk shall be of sufficient width to accommodate the proposed sidewalk use while maintaining a clear path of travel that is:

a.

At least four feet in width on sidewalks of eight to ten feet in width.

b.

At least six feet in width on sidewalks greater than ten feet in width.

c.

In areas of congested pedestrian activity, the reviewing agencies are authorized to require a wider pedestrian path to ensure the free and proper use of the right-of-way by pedestrians.

(2)

A clearance of ten feet shall be maintained between any element of a sidewalk use and a fire hydrant, or fire department sprinkler/standpipe connection.

(3)

A clearance of ten feet shall be maintained between any element of a sidewalk use and a public transit pole or CPNC stand.

(4)

Sidewalk uses are restricted to the area immediately adjacent to the business being served and may not project in front of neighboring businesses or vacant lots.

(5)

Sidewalk uses shall not be located within the corner area of a public right-of-way, which is that area between the curb and the lines created by extending the property lines of the adjacent property being served and the curb.

(6)

Tables, chairs, umbrellas and any other objects provided with the sidewalk café shall be of sufficient quality, design, materials, and workmanship to ensure the safety and convenience of users, and to enhance the visual and aesthetic quality of the urban environment.

a.

Umbrellas, and other decorative elements shall be fire retardant, pressure-treated, or manufactured of fire resistant material and not interfere with the free and proper use of the sidewalk.

b.

Within local control historic districts, the jurisdictional agency may provide standards or guidelines that shall be applied to determine the visual and aesthetic the suitability of proposed elements of the sidewalk café.

(7)

Commercial uses seeking approval of an A-frame sign or display devices shall be limited as follows:

a.

Commercial uses shall be permitted no more than one A-frame sign per street frontage occupied by the commercial use.

b.

Commercial uses shall be permitted no more than two display devices per street frontage occupied by the commercial use.

c.

A-frame signs and display devices shall be prohibited in the area bounded by the Mississippi River, the uptown side of Esplanade Avenue, the riverside of N. Rampart Street, and the downtown side of Iberville Street, except that these items may be authorized on N. Rampart Street subject to approval of the Vieux Carré Commission.

(8)

The sidewalk use shall be permitted no closer than 18 inches from the edge of the roadway, unless otherwise approved by the director of the department of public works.

(M.C.S., Ord. No. 27625, § 4, 12-14-17; eff. 10-1-17)