The Woodstock City Council has updated its rules for sidewalk cafes, restricting them to three downtown streets.

A new sidewalk cafe ordinance, passed on second reading, limits them to the DT-CBD zoning district, and only to frontages along Main, East Main and Chambers streets. “The provision of a sidewalk cafe on a public sidewalk in any other zones or locations is expressly prohibited,” the measure says.

As before, seating is limited to the width of a restaurant’s storefront, extending no more than six feet from the building, and leaving at least five feet of sidewalk clear for pedestrians. Tables and chairs must match; white plastic or PVC furniture is prohibited.

Alcohol may be served by authorized businesses that hold an alcohol license for consumption on the premises, during the hours allowed by city ordinance.

“A compliance grace period” is in effect for 45 days as the Community Development Department contacts and educates business and property owners about the ordinance. Enforcement will begin after the 45 days have passed.