Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Code of the City of Haverhill, including Article
XII, Outdoor Dining, and Article
XIV, Parklets, of Chapter
222, the following program to allow restaurants, cafes, fast-food outlets, coffee shops, and other similar places of public accommodation offering food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, ("establishments") for on-premises consumption to operate safely in outdoor settings. Any provision of existing ordinances which is inconsistent with this article shall be temporarily suspended. The provisions of this article shall be available City-wide.
The intent of the program is to facilitate outdoor dining throughout
the City. The City reserves the right to require the user to remove
the street seating if and when it determines it to be necessary, for
any reason and at any time. All furnishings and lighting must be easily
removed at the end of the program period.
Under this program, eligible businesses may be able to temporarily
expand into the following types of outdoor areas:
A. Private property, including off-street parking lots with the property
owner's consent.
B. Public right-of-way, including sidewalks, street parking spaces,
public parking lots, boardwalks, public parks and any other public
areas with the permission of the Mayor, and, possibly, closing select
streets.
Because of the reduced capacity of any establishment due to
safe distancing practices, off-street parking spaces that are required
by the Code to meet a minimum number of spaces may be utilized for
outdoor patio space provided the right-of-way inspector approves the
temporary reduction.
An application fee of $200 for a permit shall be paid at the
time of filing for a new permit.
For the duration of this article, eligible businesses may install temporary signs in excess of the allowed size or number permitted by Chapter
255 Zoning of this Code. Temporary signs must be made of fabric, vinyl, paper, or corrugated plastic, and, must be affixed to the eligible business' building or property or within a permitted use of public right-of-way space. Signs must allow for at least four feet of clearance for pedestrians, although at least six feet is preferred. Temporary signs that adhere to these requirements do not need a building permit.
Parklets, as defined by §
222-84 of the Code, shall be permitted and established according to the provisions of this article during this temporary period.