Lower Merion Expands Outdoor Dining, Sales Options For Businesses

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Officials in Lower Merion Township added new, temporary regulations expanding opportunities for outdoor dining and outdoor merchandise sales last week after the region moved in the "yellow" phase of Gov. Tom Wolf's reopening plan.

On Wednesday, the township's commissioners adopted Resolution 2020-15 to help Lower Merion businesses in using outdoor space during the yellow and green phases of the pandemic, when building interior occupancies are prohibited or significantly restricted.

Officials hope to assist and support in the recovery of our local businesses by temporarily amending regulations.

With the resolution adopted, businesses can offer additional outdoor dining on public sidewalks and public and private parking lots. This is subject to compliance with updated regulations, however.

No additional parking will be required for the expanded outdoor occupancy and the fees to obtain permits for the expanded outdoor use are being waived. Outdoor operations must comply with the Wolf's order, which includes employees wearing masks and complying with social distancing regulations.

Businesses seeking to take advantage of the expanded outdoor dining and merchandise sales program must obtain a permit from the Building & Planning Department.

Applications are also available for download online here.

When applying for a permit, a plan must be submitted showing the location of the outdoor areas to be occupied and the applicant must document how they will comply with the outdoor dining regulations.

The Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners also expressed support for a program that would allow limited closure of certain streets to allow outdoor dining and merchandise sales — when permitted — in the street on weekends in the evening hours during this time of limited indoor occupancy.

There may be limited roads that can be closed due to traffic safety concerns, but any business districts or business groups that are interested in establishing a temporary road closure for this purpose should contact the Township Manager's Office at 610-645-6102.

Details on Wolf's restaurant guidance are available online here.