More businesses in downtown Warren will be able to serve their customers outside during the summer months.

The Warren City Council recently approved a change to the city’s ordinances to allow businesses in an area zoned C-2 to to serve their customers outside. Randy Rossey, city codes director, told Warren Planning Commission and City Council members that the change was needed to allow businesses to have the wait staff take orders and serve customers on the sidewalk if they choose.

Business owners in the C1 Central Business District can purchase tables and chairs for the sidewalk in front of their business and provide food and beverage service to patrons using those tables.

“Most of the C2 general commercial district is Pennsylvania Avenue both east and west outside of the central C1 district, which is the downtown business area,” Rossey said during a recent City Council meeting.

Council member Maurice Cashman used the example of Wendy’s now being allowed to put tables and chairs on the sidewalk outside its restaurant. Rossey said as long as the restaurant provided a 3-foot maintained walkway, the outdoor seating would be allowed.

“And I may add that any business that decides to purchase their own tables and chairs, they have to be approved by the city manager and it has to construction-wise meet the criteria of the tables and chairs that the city has purchased,” Rossey said. “So we’re talking about construction as far as the weight and similar type.”

Council members also approved an application to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for Glen Baldensparger, owner of the Cornerstone Restaurant and Lounge, to serve alcohol directly in front of his currently licensed business at outdoor seating on the sidewalk. Baldensparger is asking the state for a temporary license in effect until December for the outdoor service.

“My understanding is (the space where alcohol could be served) would be governed by the PCLB,” Rossey said. “So it would be in the area that they designate.”