Outdoor Dining Likely to Expand in Radnor

Proposed zoning changes currently being review by Radnor Township's Board of Commissioners would allow outdoor dining in all zoning districts and expand the timeframe that it is allowed.

Currently outdoor dining is allowed in the Wayne Business District Overlay, but it is prohibited in the C-1 district, where many businesses are located including along parts of Lancaster Avenue, and it is neither allowed for nor prohibited in places like Garrett Hill.

The new zoning would mean that "every restaurant would be afforded the opportunity to have outdoor dining," said Kevin Kochanski, Director of Community Development for Radnor.

That does not mean there won't be restrictions. If passed as it is, the ordinance would require additional parking requirements for 13 or more seats and restrictive set backs, especially for restaurants that abut a residential district.

The dining would be allowed from March through November (versus the current April through September) from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (versus the current 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

All together it means "more choices for residents," Kochanski said.

Small eateries who want less than 12 outdoor dining seats do not need to provide more parking, but places that do not have any indoor dining can not have any outdoor dining, he said.

Introduction of the ordinance is expected at the commissioners' March 18 meeting with a final vote slated for April 8.

Kochanski wanted businesses that are interested in implementing outdoor dining to know that they must submit their application to be on the April Design Review Board meeting agenda by March 19. Although that would be before the final ordinance is approved, they should apply under the pending regulations, he said, as they are likely to be approved.