Operators of Newtown restaurants, their staffers, and anyone who patronizes local eateries can learn more about how the municipality is assisting in outdoor dining reopening by logging into the Monday, May 18 “Leaders Forum” webcast at 5:30 pm.

The ongoing series of Facebook Live conversations among local leaders and business representatives is produced by the Chamber of Commerce and Police Commissioner and realtor Andy Sachs who moderates the panels.

The weekly hour-long conversation — co-sponsored by The Newtown Bee — is available for viewing live on The Bee’s Facebook site www.facebook.com/TheNewtownBee/ — and on several other Facebook sites including the Chamber’s and two maintained by Sachs for his business.

Today’s webcast will bring in First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, Chamber representative Helen Brickfield, Newtown Director of Planning George Benson, and Health District Director Donna Culbert.

The discussion is expected to center around special permitting required for any Newtown restaurant planning to open or expand outdoor dining opportunities under Phase 1 of Governor Ned Lamont’s statewide reopening program, which begins Wednesday, May 20.

As reported in The Newtown Bee last Wednesday, the Land Use Office opened up a local permitting process in consultation with the Health District, Fire Marshal’s Office, Building Inspector, and Police Department.

Download the permit packet by CLICKING HERE

Rosenthal credited Benson and his office, “for going right to work on this and coordinating with all our other agencies as soon as we learned the governor was tee’d up and ready to review permits for restaurants to reopen with some restricted outdoor dining opportunities.”

The May 18 panel will speak via a ZOOM meeting which will originate from Sach’s Your Connecticut Realtor - Andy Sachs Facebook page and shared/streamed on The Newtown Bee’s Facebook site, as well as the Facebook pages serving:

Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc;

Newtown Economic Development Commission;

The Around Town Team - Top 1% Selling Real Estate Team;

eFriend Marketing; and

Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP).

Benson said in last week’s newtownbee.com report, that as of May 20, qualified Newtown restaurants will be able to reopen to serve patrons at limited outdoor dining stations.

To facilitate the executive order, a temporary zoning permit for outside dining has been approved for use within the Town of Newtown and the Borough of Newtown. A specific site plan illustrating existing and or temporary seating must be submitted, and can be drawn free hand utilizing an actual property site plan, Google, or Town GIS map, the memo states.

The Land Use Agency can e-mail any restaurant operator a GIS map. Preferably the permit application and map can be sent to the Land Use Agency electronically. If not feasible, the restaurant operator will have to make an appointment with the Land Use Agency to drop off hard copies at Newtown Municipal Center.

There are two types of permits, the memo states: one for existing outside patio dining, and the other for temporary outside dining or expansion of existing patio dining.

Under Permit #1, tables must be a minimum of six (6) feet apart, measured per Executive Order Guidance; and bathrooms must be accessible to outside patio patrons.

The Temporary Permit application will be reviewed by the Land Use Enforcement Officer. The final approval shall be a zoning permit issued by the Land Use Enforcement Officer.

Any new structures, with the exception of temporary tents or canopies, shall require a standard Building Permit and Zoning approvals.

Any operator seeking Permit #2 must conform to all provisions under Permit #1, and must additionally conform to the following:

*Outdoor seating capacity will be a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the existing indoor/outdoor (if applicable) restaurant seating capacity.

*A Site Plan depicting any alterations to the property including, but not limited to, area for tables, adequate parking, number of tables, signs, and tent locations shall be submitted to the Land Use Agency for a Temporary Permit application.

*Tents must be inspected by the Building and Fire Marshal representatives.

Benson said restaurants that only utilize their existing outdoor dining area must simply outline the modified location of tables. Restaurant owners should contact the Land Use Agency at 203-270-4276 with any questions concerning the permit application.

The Monday webcast will be monitored by Sachs who will share submitted questions or comments posted during the event on his two Facebook sites. Helen Brickfield of the Chamber will also be monitoring the feed and passing on any comments made by those viewing the Chamber’s Facebook site.

Brickfield is also accepting any questions or comments in advance by e-mail at helenbrickfield@newtown-ct.com.