LOWER MERION RESOLUTION AND TEMPORARY REGULATIONS FOR OUTDOOR DINING AND MERCHANDISE SALES
DURING COVID-19 YELLOW AND GREEN PHASES.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2020 the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 2020-15, which includes temporary regulations expanding opportunities for outdoor dining and outdoor merchandise sales. The purpose of this program is to assist our Lower Merion businesses in utilizing outdoor space during the yellow and green phases of the pandemic, when building interior occupancies are prohibited or significantly restricted. The Township hopes to assist and support in the recovery of our local businesses by temporarily amending regulations.
These temporary amendments will allow additional outdoor dining on public sidewalks and public and private parking lots, subject to compliance with updated regulations. 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 Governor’s Order, including employees wearing masks and complying with social distancing regulations.
Any business seeking to take advantage of the expanded outdoor dining and merchandise sales program must obtain a permit from the Building & Planning Department. Click here to access the permit application: www.lowermerion.
or download application here: LMT Application and Resolution 2020-15 for Outdoor Dining and Merchandise Sales
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.
Governor’s Restaurant Guidance : https://www.governor.pa.gov/
PLCB Requirements for Establishments Seeking License Extension: https://www.media.pa.gov/
Governor’s Business Guidance: https://www.governor.pa.gov/
The Board of Commissioners also indicated their 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 if there are any business districts or groups of businesses that are interested in working with the Township to establish a temporary road closure for this purpose, please contact the Managers Office at 610-645-6102.
