Rutherford Council to Vote on Outdoor Dining Ordinance

Decision could impact future of parklets and barriers in New Jersey town

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:25am

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A highly stylized, abstract illustration composed of repeating neon-colored silkscreen images of an outdoor dining table and chairs, conceptually representing the debate over the long-term future of expanded restaurant seating in public spaces.As towns weigh the future of pandemic-era outdoor dining expansions, a local council's decision could set the tone for communities across New Jersey.Rutherford Today

The Rutherford Borough Council in New Jersey will vote next week on an ordinance that will determine the future of outdoor dining in the community. The revised law would ban parklets, which are barriers placed in front of businesses to expand seating areas, as the council aims to take a 'fair' approach to all local businesses.

Why it matters

Outdoor dining became a lifeline for many restaurants during the pandemic, but as restrictions ease, some towns are grappling with how to handle the proliferation of parklets and outdoor structures. Rutherford's decision could set a precedent for other New Jersey communities facing similar debates over the long-term future of expanded outdoor seating.

The details

The 'outdoor cafes' ordinance was the subject of debate at the March 23 council meeting. According to the council, the revised law would ban parklets, which are barriers put in front of businesses to expand seating areas onto sidewalks or parking spaces. The council said the goal is to take a 'fair' approach to all local businesses, rather than continuing the pandemic-era outdoor dining program.

  • The Rutherford Borough Council will vote on the outdoor dining ordinance next week.

The players

Rutherford Borough Council

The local governing body in Rutherford, New Jersey that will decide the future of outdoor dining in the community.

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The takeaway

Rutherford's decision on outdoor dining could have ripple effects across New Jersey, as towns grapple with balancing the needs of restaurants and other businesses when it comes to the long-term future of pandemic-era outdoor seating expansions.