Toms River Eases Outdoor Dining Permit Process

TOMS RIVER, NJ — With restaurants and bars permitted to start serving patrons in person again beginning Monday, Toms River officials have made it easier for them to take part.

A resolution approved by the township council allows for temporary outdoor dining, as they try to recover from the coronavirus crisis.

The resolution amended the township's special event permit applications to allow for outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas and benches for food establishments. It also waived the $100 permit fee.

Don't miss local and New Jersey announcements about coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced last week that restaurants and bars could return to in-person dining beginning Monday. A number of restrictions will be in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Read more: Here's What To Do At NJ Bars, Restaurants Under Coronavirus Rules

"The Council has been working together to help our local businesses," Council President Maria Maruca said. "We are being proactive so that once the governor does permit outside dining, Toms River will be ready for our restaurants."

All applications must be filed in the Township of Toms River Zoning Office as follows:

1. A completed "Township of Toms River ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION".
2. The application must state the purpose and must also indicate the start date and duration.
3. The application must include a drawing depicting the size, dimensions, height, lettering, color and material of all special event signs. Applications for temporary outdoor display of goods should indicate the type, material and dimensions of the display area.
4. The application must include a survey or site plan based upon a survey marked to show the location and dimensions of all temporary outdoor display areas, tents and special event signs (banners, pennant banners, streamers, bunting; snipe signs, 'A' frame signs, etc.). Drawings depicting tents must comply with Section 348-8.37 of the township, code.

5. Proposals for building mounted signs must include a drawing or photograph depicting the facade of the building and the location of the sign (s).
6. Any application for a special event at a site where multiple tenants exist (e.g. shopping center) must include a letter from the landowner or property manager approving the event.

DURATION
1. The duration of any permit issued under this temporary policy shall remain in effect until such time as:
i. The governor removes the restriction for said applicant’s type of business;
ii. The governor changes the restrictions for said business and changes to the approved layout are requested under a replacement permit.
iii. Unforeseen issues arise from the implementation of a permit which could not be resolved with a new permitted layout or procedure.

Restaurant owners are advised to review these guidelines before submitting an application to the Zoning Office as these rules will be amended periodically consistent with Executive Orders and the laws of the State of New Jersey.

"We believe that part of the governor’s next phase of reopening will include restaurants and increased outdoor dining and this is the appropriate step to help them get back on their feet," Mayor Maurice B. Hill said.

"We are all concerned about health and safety and the proper precautions will be place. All applications will be reviewed by our Township staff," Maruca said.

The zoning permit application is available online.

Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Toms River Patch on Facebook.