Outdoor Cafes in the B1 B2 and PC Districts Ordinance 2935 25 Master Plan Consistency Review

August 4, 2025 Page 6 of 6 Master Plan Consistency Review – Ordinance 2935-25 105 Grove Street, Suite 3, Montclair, NJ 07042 • Phone: (973) 954-2677 • www.NishuaneGroup.com Comment: It is noted that in the proposed provision (c.) above, it states that, “… some form of formal space delineation which is aesthetically pleasing, such as a removable fence, shall be required in a parking lot or on sidewalks.” In my opinion, the requirement that the proposed space be “aesthetically pleasing,” is subjective and raises concern over interpretation of this provision, which may impact both implementation and enforcement. This stipulation should be eliminated or replaced by one that is clearer and more objective. Consistency with the Township of West Orange 2019 Master Plan Update While the Township’s Master Plan 2019 Update does not explicitly address outdoor dining, the Plan does recommend that the Land Use Regulation Ordinance “…Consider changes to permitted uses,” in recognition of market changes for retail and other uses, “…including ‘experiential’ retail and activities, such as arcades, arts and crafts studios and stores that integrate dining, coffee and/or bar areas…” The proposed Ordinance, which amends the regulations governing the Outdoors Cafes, is in keeping with this recommendation of the Master Plan, as it proposes updates to the zoning standards governing various uses, as the market characteristics for the uses change. Outdoor dining has always been a popular form of dining for many patrons of the Township’s restaurants. This form of dining took on even greater popularity during and in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, when eating outdoors became even more common place. As a standalone use or an increasingly prevalent accessory to restaurants and similar establishments, the continued success and viability of many of these establishments has become more dependent on their outdoor dining capability. While outdoor cafes are already permitted in the Township’s B-1, B-2 and P-C zones, the proposed amendment seeks to better integrate this use into the zone, with fewer adverse impacts on the surrounding areas within the three (3) zoning districts where they are permitted. Based on my review as detailed above, in my opinion, the amendment to the Land Use Regulation Ordinance proposed by Ordinance 2935-25 is consistent with the Township’s Master Plan and

y are permitted. Based on my review as detailed above, in my opinion, the amendment to the Land Use Regulation Ordinance proposed by Ordinance 2935-25 is consistent with the Township’s Master Plan and furthers the goals and objectives of the same.