Howell, NJ Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Outdoor dining in Howell Township is governed by § 188-227, Commons, greens and plazas, in Chapter 188 (Land Use), Article XXV, Nonresidential Community Design Standards. Subsection D permits restaurants and cafes to operate outdoor dining areas in plazas and on sidewalks, on the condition that pedestrian circulation and access to store entrances are not impaired and six listed standards and guidelines are met.

The core measurement is five feet: a minimum of five feet of sidewalk along the curb and to the entrance of the establishment has to be maintained free of tables and other encumbrances. The cafe area is defined with planters, posts with ropes, wrought-iron railings or other removable enclosures, which the text says are encouraged and shall be used. Extended awnings, canopies or large umbrellas are permitted and located to provide shade, with colors that complement building colors. Tables, chairs, planters, trash receptacles and other street furniture have to be compatible with the architectural character of the building where the establishment is located.

Trash is a named duty. Outdoor cafes are required to provide additional outdoor trash receptacles, and operators or owners are responsible for trash pickup and for a litter-free, well-kept appearance within and immediately adjacent to the area of their activities.

Two neighboring sections add physical rules. Section 188-226F requires outdoor dining and/or seating areas to be separated from walkways, sidewalks, streets or alleys by curbing and other protective devices, such as bollards, approved by the Board, and requires a five-foot strip along each street line, measured from the right-of-way, to be suitably landscaped except for necessary walks and accessways. Section 188-225G sets sidewalk widths for site plans: pedestrian walkways at least four feet wide, and eight feet wide in front of commercial storefronts.