Planning officials approve changes making it easier for businesses to operate sidewalk cafes in Lincoln

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission gave its stamp of approval Wednesday to change the requirements for restaurant and bar owners to operate sidewalk cafes.

The amendment came before the commission right as Project O Street construction is set to begin.

“This effort has been closely coordinated with the Project O Street that is underway in our downtown, and I would note that this is considered a high-priority item for the city and for the staff,” Long Range Planning Manager Paul Barnes said.

Barnes said the proposed updates streamline the approval process, as well as encourage businesses to install sidewalk cafes, according to a staff report from the Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commission.

“Really, what we're trying to do with these updates are creating more clarity in terms of what we're looking for and what we're expecting, but then also providing some flexibility within that,” Barnes said.

Currently, all sidewalk cafes are required to have a barrier fully enclosing the cafe, but Barnes said that’s one of the changed requirements. Now, when it comes to selling alcohol, establishments will need a barrier with an opening of less than 8 feet, according to the City of Lincoln’s sidewalk cafe guidebook.

Other requirements include having at least 5 feet of unobstructed clear passageway on the sidewalk. In terms of accessibility, there is also a requirement that at least 5% of tables must meet ADA standards.

Establishments will also have to follow certain guidelines depending on the district the bar or restaurant is located. For example, establishments in the Historic Haymarket must complement the architectural elements of the abutting building, according to the report. Establishments in the West Haymarket must have a consistent railing design to complement the Railyard elements. Businesses will also have to follow certain standards within the Capitol Environs District, which encompasses areas surrounding the State Capitol.

The commission voted unanimously in favor of the amendment, with one commissioner remarking on his outdoor dining experiences in other cities.

“When my wife and I travel, well, just recently to San Antonio. In the river walk, it's just fantastic to be able to sit outside and enjoy dinner,” Commissioner Rich Rodenburg said. “I think there is great opportunity for some of our private establishments to expand and give people the ability to sit outside."

Moving forward, the Lincoln City Council will hold a public hearing on the amendments in the sidewalk cafe package before voting on them, Barnes said.