Legislation Details

File #: 298-26   
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 5/29/2026 In control: City Council Meeting
On agenda: 6/2/2026 Final action: 6/2/2026
Title: Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Article I, Sec. 20 and Chapter 26, Article VII, Division 1, Sec. 141 through 148 Regulating Sidewalk Cafes of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances
Attachments: 1. Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance.pdf, 2. Approver Report
TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: Todd C. Lenzie, Interim Corporation Counsel

SUBJECT:
title
Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Article I, Sec. 20 and Chapter 26, Article VII, Division 1, Sec. 141 through 148 Regulating Sidewalk Cafes of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances
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BACKGROUND:
The proposed ordinance amends Chapters 18 and 26 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances, specifically addressing the regulation of sidewalk cafes within the city.

To accomplish these goals, the ordinance establishes clear definitions and operational standards, including requirements for boundaries, hours of operation, and maintenance.

Sidewalk cafes shall only be open to the public during the normal business hours of the adjacent restaurant but not later than 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 p.m. on all other days for the dates of operation from April 1 through November 1 of each year.

The permitted hours of operation for the outdoor sidewalk caf?s are 7:00 a.m. through 12:00 a.m. (midnight), or the normal business hours of the adjacent restaurant if the business is trying to close up and clean the permitted caf? furniture.

Sidewalk caf?s serving alcohol must be enclosed by a semi-permanent boundary approved by the City, with specific height and durability standards.

The ordinance also sets revised fee schedules, distinguishing between caf?s with and without alcohol service.

Operational controls address pedestrian safety, requiring unobstructed sidewalk space and clearances from public-way encumbrances.

Additional regulations govern the cleanliness, removal of equipment, and compliance with City-approved furnishing standards.

CONCLUSION:
These changes are intended to enhance the visual appeal and operational standards of outdoor dining spaces.

RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve an Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Article I, Sec. 20 and Chapter 26, Article VII, Divisio...

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