Yardley Outdoor Dining Ordinance Nearing Approval

YARDLEY, PA —With the weather improving, the borough wants to get its outdoor dining ordinance on the books after it was first introduced more than six months ago.

The Borough Council is expected to address the matter at its meeting Tuesday night with a consideration of amendments and a vote to advertise the ordinance.

"Hopefully, we can get this up and running," Councilman John McCann said at the borough's March 7 meeting where the ordinance was once again discussed.

The ordinance had been reviewed by borough officials and was also given a formal full review recently by the Bucks County Planning Commission.

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 then took another look to make fee reductions and regulations changes.

"The ordinance was hard to understand and translate," said Councilman Uri Feiner, who rejoined the council a few months ago to fill a vacant seat. "It now seems to fit the parameters and strike a balance. We are being proactive. This is a way to continue to have life in downtown Yardley."

Councilman David Appelbaum said officials were open with residents during the meetings and listened to suggestions and concerns.

"We invited businesses and residents to participate and it was a successful turnout," said Appelbaum, who also serves on the economic development committee.

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 pushed back, leading to some modifications.

Councilman Don Carlson said the borough has 25 different eating establishments and that 68 percent of them will not be impacted because they have eight seats or less. Carlson was the one who suggested waiving the permit fee for those restaurants.

"For one-third of the businesses, it's a big change and will go in the right direction," Carlson said.

Council President Caroline Thompson said language in the ordinance was changed as well after the borough received numerous complaints about the term "food provided." She said that the terminology wasn't clear.

"More people will be able to enjoy outdoor dining in Yardley Borough," she said.