amend2025-017
Substitute the original version of 2025-017 with the redline dated March 4, 2025.
approve2025-017
Approve 2025-017 An Ordinance to insert Chapter 397, 'Outdoor Dining Ordinance' (as amended).
2025-017 · POLICY · INFRASTRUCTURE · 2025
An Ordinance to amend the Amesbury Code of Ordinances by inserting therein Chapter 397, entitled Outdoor Dining Ordinance, to regulate the temporary private use of City-owned property and establish a usage fee schedule therefor.
Creates a formal Outdoor Dining Ordinance (Chapter 397) to regulate private dining on City streets, sidewalks, and parks. Establishes a fee-based permit process, abutter notices, and safety/ADA requirements. Applies May 1–Nov 1 each year with mayoral approval after committee review.
approved CITYWIDEBUSINESS DISTRICT
- STEP 1SubmittedFEB 11 2025
- STEP 2 · CURRENTApprovedMAR 11 2025
AI summary · plain-language
The City of Amesbury adopts a new Outdoor Dining Ordinance to formalize a program allowing private outdoor dining on City property such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. Outdoor dining areas must be clearly delineated by City Jersey Barriers or approved corrals, and are subject to a permit process, annual fees, and safety requirements to protect pedestrians and accessibility. The ordinance sets an annual May 1–November 1 permit term, requires scaled plans and liability insurance, mandates abutter notifications, and requires compliance with ADA and other codes; alcohol service requires a separate liquor license; the Mayor may amend regulations and enforce the permit through City processes.
Key provisions
§1 Establishes Chapter 397 Outdoor Dining Ordinance to regulate temporary private use of City-owned property for outdoor dining.
§2 Imposes a fee schedule: $100 application fee, $2.50 per square foot usage fee, and $25 per City Jersey Barrier; fees go to the general fund.
§3 Requires a scaled plan, liability insurance, and abutter notification; permits reviewed by Technical Review Committee with Mayor approval after fees paid.
§4 Permits run May 1–November 1; compliance with ADA, building and fire codes; barriers or corrals enclose dining areas; alcohol requires separate licensing.
Discussed at meetings
City CouncilCity Council Meeting
City CouncilOrdinance and Administration Committee Meeting
other2025-017
Send 2025-017 back to City Council with a positive recommendation to include the edits discussed during the meeting.
2025-0172025-017
City CouncilBudget and Finance Committee Meeting
other2025-017
Councilor Redfern made a motion to return 2025-017 to the City Council with a positive recommendation awaiting further input from the Chamber of Commerce and OCED Director Nick Cracknell.
2025-0172025-017
City CouncilCity Council Meeting
refer2025-017
Refer 2025-017 to Budget & Finance and Ordinance & Administration and set a 2nd reading for March 11.