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City of Alexandria Approved by Board of Architectural Review January 2006 King Street Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines

Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines - City of Alexandria

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Page 1: Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines - City of Alexandria

City of AlexandriaApproved by Board of Architectural ReviewJanuary 2006

King StreetOutdoor DiningDesign Guidelines

Page 2: Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines - City of Alexandria

Table of Contents

Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Application Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Elements of a Quality Outdoor Seating Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 1: Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-131.1 Barrier Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61.2 Barrier Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101.3 Access Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 111.4 Planters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 2: Furniture and Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-242.1 Types of Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152.1 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162.3 Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182.4 Umbrellas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192.5 Sidewalk Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222.6 Circulation Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232.7 Signage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232.8 Setback from Other Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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1 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

PurposeThese Guidelines proThese Guidelines proThese Guidelines proThese Guidelines proThese Guidelines provide standards for the use of outdoor dining areas along King Street and adjoining streetsvide standards for the use of outdoor dining areas along King Street and adjoining streetsvide standards for the use of outdoor dining areas along King Street and adjoining streetsvide standards for the use of outdoor dining areas along King Street and adjoining streetsvide standards for the use of outdoor dining areas along King Street and adjoining streetsin order to maintain a quality appearance in kin order to maintain a quality appearance in kin order to maintain a quality appearance in kin order to maintain a quality appearance in kin order to maintain a quality appearance in keeping with the Street’eeping with the Street’eeping with the Street’eeping with the Street’eeping with the Street’s historic character.s historic character.s historic character.s historic character.s historic character.

The City of Alexandria permits outdoor dining along King Street and adjoining streets in Old Town throughan administrative permitting process authorized by Section 6-800 of the City of Alexandria ZoningOrdinance. As per Section 6-805(O)(4), the design of each outdoor dining area must “comply with anyBoard of Architectural Review approved design guidelines.” This document contains the guidelines offurniture and fixtures considered acceptable within the architectural and cultural framework of Old Town’smain commercial corridor.

Central to the process of permitting outdoor dining along one of the nation’s most historic streets is thenecessity of ensuring that furniture and other items placed along the street will complement the overallcharacter of the street and not detract from the district’s architectural heritage. These Design Guidelinesprovide standards for the use of outdoor dining areas in order to enhance the historic character, visualquality and pedestrian safety of the area.

These guidelines apply to all outdoor dining areas that receive City approval through powers granted bySection 6-800 of the Zoning Ordinance. Failure to comply with these guidelines constitutes a violation ofthe City Zoning Ordinance.

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2 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

BackgroundThe City of The City of The City of The City of The City of AleAleAleAleAlexandria is pleased to offer restaurants along King Street the option of utilizing the publicxandria is pleased to offer restaurants along King Street the option of utilizing the publicxandria is pleased to offer restaurants along King Street the option of utilizing the publicxandria is pleased to offer restaurants along King Street the option of utilizing the publicxandria is pleased to offer restaurants along King Street the option of utilizing the publicsidewalk as outdoor dining areassidewalk as outdoor dining areassidewalk as outdoor dining areassidewalk as outdoor dining areassidewalk as outdoor dining areas..... Outdoor dining gives restaurant patrons an amenity that has become an Outdoor dining gives restaurant patrons an amenity that has become an Outdoor dining gives restaurant patrons an amenity that has become an Outdoor dining gives restaurant patrons an amenity that has become an Outdoor dining gives restaurant patrons an amenity that has become anincreasingly popular feature within the increasingly popular feature within the increasingly popular feature within the increasingly popular feature within the increasingly popular feature within the WWWWWashington area.ashington area.ashington area.ashington area.ashington area.

While the City has encouraged the use of outdoor dining arrangements, restaurant operatorsmust be mindful of two important considerations: the safety and flow of pedestrian traffic, and thevisual appropriateness within Old Town’s historic district.

These Design Guidelines are intended to ensure that restaurants use the public sidewalk foroutdoor dining in a way that is safe for pedestrians and appropriate for the historic district.

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3 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

Application ProcedureOutdoor dining is permitted along King Street and adjoining streets through an administrative approOutdoor dining is permitted along King Street and adjoining streets through an administrative approOutdoor dining is permitted along King Street and adjoining streets through an administrative approOutdoor dining is permitted along King Street and adjoining streets through an administrative approOutdoor dining is permitted along King Street and adjoining streets through an administrative approval processval processval processval processval processauthorized bauthorized bauthorized bauthorized bauthorized by Section 6-800 of the City Zoning Ordinancey Section 6-800 of the City Zoning Ordinancey Section 6-800 of the City Zoning Ordinancey Section 6-800 of the City Zoning Ordinancey Section 6-800 of the City Zoning Ordinance..... This administrative process sa This administrative process sa This administrative process sa This administrative process sa This administrative process saves time and eves time and eves time and eves time and eves time and expensexpensexpensexpensexpensebbbbby pre-establishing standards that must be folloy pre-establishing standards that must be folloy pre-establishing standards that must be folloy pre-establishing standards that must be folloy pre-establishing standards that must be followwwwwed for all outdoor dining set-upsed for all outdoor dining set-upsed for all outdoor dining set-upsed for all outdoor dining set-upsed for all outdoor dining set-ups.....

To apply, a restaurant owner needs to complete the following.

• Application Form: A brief form with basic information about the restaurant and proposednumber of seats

• Site Plan: A plan showing the proposed outdoor dining area with measurements (includinga representation showing that at least 5 feet of unobstructed sidewalk space will remain forpedestrians).

• Photos or Drawing of Furniture: Photos or other graphic representation (includingcolor and material) of furniture and umbrellas, needed for the City to verify that theproposed furniture conforms to these Design Guidelines.

For forms, information or questions, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at703.838.4666 or visit in person at City Hall, 301 King Street, Room 2100.

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4 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

Elements of a Quality Outdoor Seating Area

36” to 44”Height

UmbrellasWithin

Seating Area

QualityFurniture

DetectableBarriers

At least 36”

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5 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

FIGURE 1Illustration of leading edge and parallel edge of barrier

Barriers are required in the following instances:

a) Required for Leading Edge of All Dining Areas:A detectable barrier is required for the leading edgeof all outdoor dining areas to ensure that visuallyimpaired pedestrians using canes can detect the diningarea safely. The leading edge, illustrated at left, isdefined as the section of a dining area that is at ornear a perpendicular angle to the building wall and/orcurb line.

b) Required for Full Perimeter of Some DiningAreas: A detectable barrier is required for the fullperimeter (with the exception of access openings)when the outdoor seating area extends more than

3 feet into the public right of way. The perimeterincludes both the leading edge and parallel edge.

Restaurants which do not serve alcohol and whoseoutdoor seating area extends less than 3 feet into thepublic right-of-way are not required to enclose thefull perimeter of the seating area, but may do so onan optional basis.

c) Required for Full Perimeter of All Outdoor Dining Areas Serving Alcohol: State law

requires that outdoor dining areas where alcohol isserved or consumed must enclose the area, with onlyone opening to the sidewalk for access.

Dining area barriers (fences, gates, ropes etc.)are visually appealing and help to separatethe dining area from the sidewalk. All barriermaterial must be maintained in good visualappearance, without visible fading, dents, tears,rust, corrosion, or chipped or peeling paint.

Chapter 1: Barriers

LeadingEdge

LeadingEdge

ParallelEdge

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6 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

Sectional Fencing: Sectional fencing (generallydefined as rigid fence segments that can be placedtogether to create a unified fencing appearance) is adesirable solution for outdoor seating areas usingbarriers. Such fencing is portable, but cannot beeasily shifted by patrons or pedestrians, as can lessrigid forms of enclosures.

Sectional fencing must be of metal (aluminum, steel,iron, or similar) or of wood construction and mustbe of a dark color (either painted or stained).

FIGURE 2Acceptable sectional fencing design

1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier DesignsA wide variety of styles and designs arepermissible for outdoor dining area barriers:

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7 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

Rope or Chain Rails: Rope or chain-type barriers(generally defined as enclosures composed of a ropeor chain suspended by vertical elements such asstanchions) are permitted if they meet the followingguidelines:

• Rope/Chain Diameter: The rope or chainmust have a minimum diameter of 1 inch, inorder to maintain detectability by the visuallyimpaired.

• Posts: Vertical support posts (stanchions,bollards, etc.) must be constructed of wood ormetal (aluminum, steel, iron, or similar).

• Stanchion Base Must Not Be A TrippingHazard: If a stanchion or other verticalsupporting device is attached to a base, thatbase must be flat and must measure no morethan one-half (½) of an inch above thesidewalk surface. No domed stanchion basesare permitted.

1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs

FIGURE 3Rope or chain barrier must have a minimum diameter of 1 inch

FIGURE 4Stanchion base must be flatand no more than 1/2”above sidewalk surface

FIGURE 5Domed stanchion basesare not permitted

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8 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

FIGURE 6Acceptable sectional fencing design: freestanding

1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs

Freestanding: Any barrier (whether sectionalfencing or rail-type) must be freestanding, withoutany permanent or temporary attachments tobuildings, sidewalks or other infrastructure.

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9 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

FIGURE 7Fabric inserts are not permitted to be used as part of a barrier

1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs1.1 Barrier Designs

Prohibited Barrier Styles:

• Fabric Inserts: Fabric inserts (whethernatural or synthetic fabric) of any size are notpermitted to be used as part of a barrier.

• Chain-link and Other Fencing: The use ofchain-link, cyclone fencing, chicken wire orsimilar appurtenances is prohibited. Materialsnot specifically manufactured for fencing orpedestrian control (including but not limited tobuckets, food containers, tires, tree stumps,vehicle parts, pallets, etc.) and not expresslypermitted elsewhere in these Guidelines maynot be used as components of a barrier.

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10 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

1.2 Barrier Measurements1.2 Barrier Measurements1.2 Barrier Measurements1.2 Barrier Measurements1.2 Barrier MeasurementsTo ensure their effectiveness as pedestrian controldevices and their detectability for persons withvisual impairments, barriers must meet thefollowing measurement guidelines:

FIGURE 9How to measure rope/chain distance from ground

FIGURE 8Sectional fencingbarrier height must beat least 36”

Height: The highest point of a barrier (such as astanchion) must measure at least 36 inches in height,with the exception of planters.

“Open” Appearance: Fences or other perimeterenclosures with a height of between 36” and 50”must be at least 50 percent open (see-through) inorder to maintain visibility of street level activity.Any enclosure with a height over 50” must be atleast 80 percent open (see-through).

Maximum Distance from Ground: All barriersmust be detectable to visually impaired pedestrianswho employ a cane for guidance. Therefore thebottom of barriers must be no greater than 27inches above the sidewalk surface.

• How to Measure Rope/Chain Distancefrom Ground: In the case of a rope or chainenclosure, the rope/chain must not exceed 27inches in height when measured 12 inches ormore away from a vertical post (stanchion,bollard or other such support).

36”min.

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11 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

Minimum Access Width: Any access openingwithin the barrier must measure no less than 44inches in width.

Location: Access openings should be placed in alocation that will not create confusion for visuallyimpaired pedestrians.

1.31.31.31.31.3 Access OpeningsAccess OpeningsAccess OpeningsAccess OpeningsAccess Openings

FIGURE 10Minimum access width is 44 inches

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12 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

Maximum Height of Planters: Planters may notexceed a height of 36 inches above the level of thesidewalk. (This pertains only to planters, not theplants contained therein.)

Maximum Height of Plants: Plants (whether liveor artificial) may not exceed a height of 108 inches(8 feet) above the level of the sidewalk.

1.4 Planters1.4 Planters1.4 Planters1.4 Planters1.4 PlantersPlanters may be used in addition to or inplace of other barrier designs. In addition,planters may be used in situations where nobarrier is required (for example, where theoutdoor dining area does not extend more thanthree feet into the sidewalk) in order to provideadded visual interest and create a moreattractive and welcoming atmosphere.

Planters and the plants contained within themmust meet the following requirements:

FIGURE 11Acceptable planter designand material

FIGURE 12Height of plants

may not exceed 8’

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13 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

1.4 Planters1.4 Planters1.4 Planters1.4 Planters1.4 Planters

Planted Material: All planters must have plantscontained within them. If the plants within a planterdie, the plants must be replaced or the planterremoved from the public right-of-way. Artificialplants; empty planters; or planters with only baredirt, mulch, straw, woodchips or similar material arenot permitted.

Seasonal, thematic planter displays are encouraged.

FIGURES 13, 14 and 15Acceptable planter design and material

36”max.36”

max.

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14 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

Chapter 2:Furniture and Fixtures

King Street’s retail liveliness depends on maintainingan attractive and high-quality atmosphere. As statedin the King Street Retail Strategy, “The quality ofthe streetscape is vitally important to King Street’sretail ambiance...The streetscape and the definingadjacent buildings are the most significant overallelements in providing a dynamic visual environment.”

Outdoor dining furniture becomes a prominent partof the streetscape when used in the front ofbuildings, and such furniture needs to uphold thehigh standards applied to buildings and otherimprovements in Old Town.

A wide range of furniture styles, colors and materialsare permitted. All furniture and fixtures must bemaintained in good visual appearance, without visiblefading, dents, tears, rust, corrosion, or chipped or peelingpaint. All furniture and fixtures must be maintainedin a clean condition at all times. All furniture andfixtures must be durable and of sufficiently sturdyconstruction as not to blow over with normal winds.

To ensure a quality visual appearance in keepingwith the historic context of King Street’s architecture,the conditions on the following pages apply tofurniture (tables and chairs).

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15 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.1 T2.1 T2.1 T2.1 T2.1 Types of Furypes of Furypes of Furypes of Furypes of Furniturenitureniturenitureniture

Prohibited Furniture: All furniture other thantables, chairs and umbrellas is prohibited. Thisincludes but is not limited to serving stations, barcounters, shelves, racks, sofas, televisions, trashreceptacles, heaters and torches.

Freestanding: Furniture and fixtures must not besecured to trees, lampposts, street signs, hydrants, orany other street infrastructure by means of ropes,chains or any other such devices, whether duringrestaurant operating hours or at times when therestaurant is closed.

FIGURE 16Furniture other than tables, chairs and umbrellas is not permitted

Other furniture or equipmentnot permitted

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16 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.2 T2.2 T2.2 T2.2 T2.2 TablesablesablesablesablesTables need to be functional, not only forpatrons, but also for pedestrians, given thelimited space available for outdoor dining onmany Old Town sidewalks.

Outdoor dining furniture must also contribute tothe overall atmosphere of Old Town’s commercialdistrict and be complementary in bothappearance and quality.

Color: Tables may be colored or of a naturalunpainted material (i.e., wood, metal etc.). Tables arenot permitted to be white plastic or of anyfluorescent or other strikingly bright or vivid color.

FIGURE 17Furniture may beof dark color ornatural unpaintedmaterial

FIGURE 18No white or fluorescent furniture is permitted

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17 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.2 T2.2 T2.2 T2.2 T2.2 Tablesablesablesablesables

Size and Shape: The size and shape of tablesstrongly affects the functionality of an outdoor diningarea. Due to Old Town’s narrow sidewalks,restaurants should strive for space-efficient seatinglayouts and furniture configuration.

Square or Rectangular Tables Preferred:Square or rectangular tables are strongly recom-mended for use in Old Town’s outdoor dining areas.

• Better Fit: Square or rectangular tables mayfit flush against a building’s wall and can permitmore usable surface area for patrons while atthe same time leaving more space available forpedestrians.

• More Flexibility: Square or rectangular tablesare more flexible for use in outdoor diningareas. Such tables may be combined to seatlarger parties much more effectively than canround tables.

Smaller Tables Preferred: Smaller tables workbetter than larger tables and are more efficient andflexible. Although optimal table size varies by eachrestaurant’s specific outdoor dining layout, smallertables are preferred.

FIGURES 20 and 21Smaller bistro-style tables are more efficient for use along King Street

FIGURE 19Efficient furniture layout - smaller furniture works better on King Street

Indoor Restaurant

5 fe

et

min

imum

Large Tables:Not efficient use of space

Small and Square Tables:More flexible and space-efficient

Sidewalk Space

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18 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.3 Chairs2.3 Chairs2.3 Chairs2.3 Chairs2.3 ChairsChairs, like other outdoor dining elements, mustcontribute to the overall atmosphere of OldTown’s commercial district and must becomplementary in both appearance and quality.

Color: Chairs may be colored or of a naturalunpainted material (i.e., wood, metal etc.). Chairsare not permitted to be white plastic or of anyfluorescent or other strikingly bright or vivid color.

Upholstery: Upholstered chairs are permitted.Upholstery is not permitted to be of any fluorescentor other strikingly bright or vivid color.

Matching: All chairs used within a particularestablishment’s outdoor seating area much matcheach other by being of visually similar design,construction and color.

FIGURE 22Chairs used in an

outdoor dining areamust matcheach other

FIGURE 24Furniture may be of dark color or naturalunpainted material

FIGURE 23No white plastic or fluorescent furnitureis permitted

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19 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 UmbrellasUmbrellas can add a welcoming feel to outdoordining areas and provide shelter from theelements, making their use desirable for outdoordining applications. Appropriately designed andsized umbrellas are permitted for use under thisoutdoor dining program. Umbrellas must be freeof advertisements and contained within theoutdoor dining area, and the lowest dimension ofan extended umbrella must be at least 7 feetabove the sidewalk surface. All umbrellas mustcomply with the following conditions.

Contained Within the Outdoor Seating Area:To ensure effective pedestrian flow, all parts of anyumbrella (including the fabric and supporting ribs)must be contained entirely within the outdoorseating area.

Minimum Height for Sidewalk Clearance:When extended, the umbrella must measure at least7 feet above the surface of the outdoor dining areain order to provide adequate circulation spacebelow. This measurement must include not only theumbrella frame and panels, but also any decorativeborders such as fringes, tassels, or other suchornamentation.

Maximum Height: Any part of an umbrella used inan outdoor seating area may not exceed a height of120” (10 feet) above the level of the sidewalk, inorder to avoid causing an undue visual obstruction ofother businesses.

FIGURE 25Acceptable umbrella design

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20 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas

Colors: Umbrellas must blend appropriately withthe surrounding built environment. Therefore,umbrella fabric is not permitted to be of anyfluorescent or other strikingly bright or vivid color.Umbrella covers must be of one solid color.

Size and Shape: The size and shape of an umbrellastrongly affects its functionality within a constrainedspace such as an outdoor dining area. Due to thenarrow measurements of most restaurants’ outdoordining areas, restaurants using umbrellas shouldstrive for space-efficient umbrella designs.

Square or Rectangular Umbrellas Preferred:Square or rectangular umbrellas, as opposed toround or octagonal umbrellas, are stronglyrecommended for use in Old Town’s outdoordining areas.

Market-Style Umbrellas Preferred: Market-style umbrellas – those designed specifically for patioor outdoor restaurant use – are preferred foroutdoor dining purposes.

Material: Umbrella fabric must be of a materialsuitable for outdoor use, and must be canvas-type.No plastic fabrics, plastic/vinyl-laminated fabrics, orany type of rigid materials are permitted for use asumbrellas within an outdoor seating area.

FIGURE 26Acceptable umbrella design: Solid color, space-efficient, market-style,canvas material

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21 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas2.4 Umbrellas

Signage or Wording Prohibited: Umbrellas mustnot contain signage for the restaurant or for anyother entity in the form of wording, logos, drawings,pictorial or photographic representations, or anyother likewise identifying characteristic.

FIGURES 27 and 28Signage on umbrellas

not permitted

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22 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.5 Sidewalk Co2.5 Sidewalk Co2.5 Sidewalk Co2.5 Sidewalk Co2.5 Sidewalk CoveringsveringsveringsveringsveringsThe floor of outdoor seating areas should beuncovered sidewalk material as to providecontinuity with the adjacent public right-of-way.Floor coverings or raised platforms may not beused within outdoor dining areas.

Prohibited Sidewalk Coverings:

• Carpet: Prohibited sidewalk coverings includecarpet or other flooring material constructedof fabric, canvas, wool, tile, linoleum, nylon,vinyl, or any covering that is intended toresemble turf.

• Platforms: Raised decks, platforms, or othersuch surfaces are not permitted withinoutdoor dining areas.

FIGURE 29Outdoor dining areas should be uncovered sidewalk material

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23 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.6 Circulation Room2.6 Circulation Room2.6 Circulation Room2.6 Circulation Room2.6 Circulation Room

FIGURE 30Outdoor dining areas must leave at least 5 feet of unobstructedpedestrian space

As established in the Outdoor Dining Ordinance,all outdoor dining areas must leave at least 5 feet ofunobstructed pedestrian space. This 5 feet ofpedestrian space must be clear of obstructionscaused by trees, tree wells, posts, hydrants, or anyother infrastructure. In addition, no part of anoutdoor dining area (including plants) may extendinto the 5-feet-unobstructed zone.

If a perimeter enclosure is used, adequate spacemust be provided within the enclosed outdoordining area to permit movement of patrons andwaitstaff. Waitstaff may not serve patrons frombeyond the perimeter enclosure.

Signage is permitted within outside dining areas onlywith a valid City permit. No extra or additionalsignage is permitted solely as a result of anestablishment’s participation in this outdoor diningprogram.

2.7 Signage2.7 Signage2.7 Signage2.7 Signage2.7 Signage

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24 City of AlexandriaKing Street Outdoor Dining Guidelines

2.8 Setback from Other Businesses2.8 Setback from Other Businesses2.8 Setback from Other Businesses2.8 Setback from Other Businesses2.8 Setback from Other Businesses

Restaurants need to be mindful of adjoiningbusinesses when using outdoor dining areas, makingsure that neighboring businesses remain visible topedestrians and motorists.

A restaurant may be required to adjust the outdoorseating area’s layout, dimensions or distance from theproperty line (2 feet or more) to ensure that thisvisibility is maintained.

FIGURE 31Neighboring businesses must remain visible to pedestrians and motorists