The Board of Selectmen in late February, unanimously approved dates for outdoor dining on Town-owned sidewalks to be from May 1 through the first Sunday in November. This revises the outdoor dining season from seven months to a little more than six months, and it leaves the dates comparable to nearby municipalities, according to Town Planner Sarah Carey.
Town Sidewalk Café Guidelines state, “The Town wishes to promote commerce in the downtown and recognizes that outdoor dining is an amenity that promotes pedestrian traffic and highlights the attractive town center.”
New Canaan allows outdoor dining on Town-owned sidewalks (Sidewalk Cafés) annually throughout the spring, summer and fall. The Board of Selectmen adopts and alters the Guidelines, while the P&Z Department issues, enforces and manages the permits.