Village Allows More Businesses to Have Outdoor Sales

Gas stations, warehouse retailers, hardware and home improvements stores, pharmacies and grocery stores are now allowed to have the outdoor display and sale of merchandise. 

The village board voted to approve the change in village code at last Thursday's board meeting. 

Before the vote, outdoor stores and display of merchandise was prohibited by the zoning ordinance, except at grocery stores. 

Here are the regulations passed by the village board last week. 

• The outdoor display shall not exceed eight feet in height. 
• The square footage of the area in which outdoor display occurs may not exceed 10 percent of the total gross square footage of the principal structure to a maximum of 500 square feet, whichever is less. 
• For gas stations: In addition to the standards outlined in this section, outdoor display and sales may only occur immediately adjacent to the principal structure and underneath the fuel pump canopy. 
• The outdoor display shall be restricted to private property and no display shall be permitted on public property. 
• Merchandise may not be displayed in any parking stalls, loading berths, drive aisles, landscape areas, required building setbacks, etc. Merchandise must be displayed on an impervious surface. If merchandise is displayed on pedestrian walkways, a minimum of five feet in width must be maintained free and clear, except as otherwise provided for.