No barriers, just space: Tiburon eyes 1-foot gap for sidewalk dining
Nearly a year after its formation, the Tiburon Town Council subcommittee working to formalize outdoor dining regulations is proposing a simplified safety requirement: a 1-foot gap between dining setups and the street. The proposal comes as the council signals a more flexible approach to other regulations.
Vice Mayor Jon Welner and Mayor Holli Thier updated their council colleagues during the Feb. 19 meeting, which included a broader discussion on outdoor dining. No formal action was taken, as the item was listed for discussion only. Town Attorney Ben Stock said he is still determining the necessary steps for a council vote, which will likely involve an ordinance update and a broader use policy.
Welner said informal surveys of outdoor dining setups and conversations with business owners led the subcommittee to move away from requiring physical safety barriers, especially in tighter spaces.
“The clear, strong message is that we want … to allow our businesses to keep doing what they’re doing” and continue operating successfully in Tiburon, Thier said.
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