cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Deborah Lang, Assistant Corporation Counsel III
Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: March 31, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances by creating Article 25-XV Temporary Outdoor Seating and Parklet Permits.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to codify the City's regulations regarding the permitting of temporary outdoor seating and parklets.
BACKGROUND:
In early Spring of 2020, the State and City were working to develop ways for restaurants and bars to resume operations with severe limitations having been imposed upon them due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In conjunction with State guidelines, City staff began the development of protocols for temporary outdoor seating and parklets to allow restaurants and bars to host patrons outdoors. Initially implemented in 2020 primarily utilizing State requirements, the City continued to develop our local outdoor seating and parklet program in subsequent years. On March 16, 2021, staff presented the current state of the program to the Committee of the Whole via Zoom with Legistar item #21-0191. Since that time, staff has developed an online application process and has reviewed and updated the Mayoral Rules for Approved Outdoor Seating, on a yearly basis. While City Council has been informed of this program, staff wishes to obtain City Council input and approval on the future administration of the program.
DISCUSSION:
Once restaurants and bars were allowed to fully reopen without restrictions, some establishments wished to continue to offer outdoor seating. The City has continued to allow businesses to obtain permission to host patrons outside, and along the way rules have been created to regulate the hours of operation, location of operation, to identify the temporary outdoor seating "season", to regulate sound and to provide design guidelines. Documents utilized for temporary outdoor seating in 2025, including the 2025 Rules for Approved Temporary Outdoor Seating and Dining Plans are attached for your review.
The following departments/divisions are involved in the review of applications: Police, Building & Permits, City Clerk, Downtown Services, EMA, Engineering, Fire Prevention, Legal, Zoning & Planning, Property Standards, Revenue & Collections and Traffic Engineer. A sample application is attached for your review.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed codification of Temporary Outdoor Seating and Parklets will have a positive impact on the current and future business community in Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments.
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance amending Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances by creating Article 25-XV - Temporary Outdoor Seating and Parklet Permits.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the creation of Article 25-XV - Temporary Outdoor Seating and Parklet Permits will provide consistent regulation of the program; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it to be in the best interests of the City to add Article 25-XV to Chapter 25 to create a more transparent process under which all businesses wishing to host temporary outdoor seating must operate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That Chapter 25 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances shall be and hereby is amended as set forth in Exhibit A.
Section Two: That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
Section Three: That all ordinances or parts of ordinances thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict.
Section Four: That any section or provision of this ordinance that is construed to be invalid or void shall not affect the remaining sections or provisions which shall remain in full force and effect thereafter.