Upper Darby, PA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Section 550-21C(4) in the C-1 Traditional Neighborhood Commercial District, mirrored by § 550-23D(1) in the C-3 Traditional Downtown Business District, permits outdoor dining "as an accessory use to a full-service sit-down restaurant only," meaning a coffee shop or fast-food counter without full table service cannot add a sidewalk cafe under this provision. The furnishings allowed are narrowly defined: tables, chairs, portable heaters and umbrellas, built of quality materials and sturdy enough to withstand wind and rain, and everything must be brought inside the restaurant after normal operating hours rather than left out overnight.

Operators are encouraged to define the cafe area with planters, roped posts or a reservation podium, and refuse facilities should be provided for outdoor patrons. Advertising is restricted to umbrellas and canopies, so freestanding sandwich boards or banners are not part of the permitted outdoor dining furnishings. " Because outdoor dining is treated as an accessory use under the Table of Permitted Uses framework, a restaurant adding a sidewalk cafe applies through the Township's normal permitting process administered by the Zoning Officer under § 550-53 rather than a standalone special exception hearing, unless the underlying use itself requires special exception approval.