In the Wheaton Urban District, Montgomery County will begin a trial program on July 1st that permits eateries to transform curbside parking spots into outdoor dining areas with tables and chairs that are accessible. The program includes prorated parking space costs, safety restrictions, and special permitting procedures with the goal of assisting local businesses.
According to the press release, Montgomery County will launch Curbside Seating Cafes, an innovative program, in the Wheaton Urban District starting Tuesday, July 1. Curbside parking spots may be transformed into accessible dining areas under the scheme, which will act as an extension of the eateries taking part in the test.
Accessible seats, tables, and plants will be installed in the outside curbside seating cafes, either at street level or on elevated platforms.
“As we explore ways to support our local businesses, we are thrilled to start this pilot program in the Wheaton Urban District,” said Marc Elrich, the executive of Montgomery County. In addition to increasing community connectivity and vibrancy, outside dining helps our restaurants expand their clientele.
The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) website now has a description of the initiative and a checklist for restaurant operators who are interested in taking part in the pilot program. The following instructions are included in the checklist:
- Collect written support from adjacent businesses.
- Obtain written support from the Wheaton Urban District.
- Contact the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) for site location approval.
- Apply for public right-of-way (ROW) permit.
- Pay filing and parking meter fee (if applicable).
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Submit plans and written support documentation via
DPS Apply Online
and ePlans.
- Contact the DPS ROW inspector, after the ROW permit is issued.
- Contact Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services for an alcohol license, if alcohol is served.
A staff directory with important department contacts is also included in the DPS checklist in case applicants have any queries or require additional information.
According to MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, the best locations for this pilot program are in walkable neighborhoods and on streets with stated speed restrictions of no more than 25 miles per hour. To get a location approved, applicants need get in touch with MCDOT. The published standards for this initiative include certain requirements about barriers, buffers, and wheel stops to guarantee the safety of the curbside café seating spaces.
There will be an annual renewal cost and ROW permission fee. Additionally, since the pilot scheme starts on July 1, this year’s parking meter charge, which is $3,200 per parking space, will be prorated. The ticket is good from March 1 to October 31. During plan evaluation, DPS will decide the bond if necessary.
For any curbside seating café installation in Wheaton, DPS employees will promptly assess the plan and issue right-of-way permits that have been certified to be in compliance, according to DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. The applicant’s façade must face the seating arrangement. Although year-round use of the facility might be allowed, the applicant will need to provide a supplementary plan that outlines how the space would be used in the winter.
It will be the responsibility of restaurant proprietors to maintain the curbside seating café areas tidy and in good condition.
Luisa Cardona, director of the Mid-County Regional Office, expressed her excitement about the groundbreaking pilot initiative that is being implemented in Wheaton. As local businesses seize this chance to improve outdoor dining and add to the vibrancy and economic vitality of our city, the Urban District staff is here to support them.
To learn more about permits and inspections, or the Curbside Seating Cafes pilot program, visit the DPS website or give MC 311 (240-777-0311) a call. DPS can be found in Wheaton at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th floor. No appointment is required, and business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.
