Outdoor Dining Ordinance On The Books In Yardley

YARDLEY, PA —With Memorial Day less than a month away, the Borough Council is getting an early jump on the unofficial start of summer.

After holding a public hearing in which no one spoke, the council at Tuesday night's meeting unanimously approved an outdoor dining ordinance that was first introduced more than six months ago.

Outdoor dining was prominent in Yardley and other Lower Bucks County communities during the pandemic. But in September, officials decided to start charging restaurants fees for that service.

But business owners were opposed to the ordinance last fall, expressing their displeasure at special meetings and during public comment at council meetings.

The council's community and economic development committee —which also includes Councilman John McCann —then took another look to make fee reductions and regulations changes.

"This is what happens when you have a collaborative project where everyone works together," Councilman David Appelbaum told Patch Wednesday. "This ordinance results in benefits for everyone —residents and businesses alike. It's a great example of how government does work."

Appelbaum said borough officials were open with residents during the meetings and listened to suggestions and concerns. Two committee meetings were held with the public and business owners to work out details.

Business owners first balked at a permit fee.

But Councilman Don Carlson suggested the borough waived the fee for eating establishments that have eight seats or less.

Carlson said at a recent council meeting that the borough has 25 different eating establishments and that 68 percent of them will not be impacted by the ordinance in terms of paying any fees.

Appelbaum said he was happy to have the ordinance on the books.

"No one debated," he said. "Everyone was in agreement. Let's get it done."