Some rule changes are coming for outdoor patios at restaurants and bars in Chatham-Kent.
Councillors are being asked to approve amendments to a bylaw to add that temporary outdoor patios can only be allowed to operate for a maximum of eight months a year in the future.
In January, the province put in place new rules for outdoor patio extensions by amending the liquor law and the Chatham-Kent bylaw must be updated.
The proposal going before Council Monday evening stated the eight months don't necessarily have to be consecutive and councillors have the authority to approve less than eight months, if they wish.
If the bylaw amendments are approved, the bylaw would also clarify that outdoor patios can be temporary or permanent.
A report going to council said the rest of the outdoor patio bylaw would stay the same, including outdoor patios not exceeding 50 per cent of the floor area devoted to patrons and no outdoor patio permitted in any yard located between the business and any residential zone.
Lighting facilities illuminating an outdoor patio must also be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining properties and streets and the use of musical instruments or other mechanical or electrical music equipment is only allowed if they follow the municipality’s Noise Bylaw.
