Ordinance Passes

It allows some limited merchandising on the sidewalk in front of your store.

There was a lot of concern voiced, however, that Main Street’s sidewalks are already too crowded. Downtown merchants are required to keep a 4-foot path clear down the center of the sidewalk at all times, but that gives you 3-feet to work with on both sides in most places. The new ordinance will be reviewed in six months to determine if it is working.

To read the complete ordinance, click here

To summarize, the new law allows items in front of your own storefront within 36 inches of the front of the building, or within 36 inches of the curb. It is for the retail businesses that own or lease the space adjacent to the sidewalk. Restaurants work under another ordinance, but the 4-foot rule applies there, too.

If you want to put merchandise for sale in these specified areas, you must apply for an annual permit for $50. Since the ordinance just passed last night, the city does not yet have the process in place to apply, but that will be coming soon. The display of items for sale cannot exceed 50% of the frontage of the business.

Sandwich board signs will also have an annual permit, and also must be placed 36″ from the curb or the storefront. Just be careful not to let your sign get in the middle of the sidewalk.

Aldermen spoke at length of the problem with crowded sidewalks or a “zig-zag path” and concern that federal laws under the Americans with Disabilities Act will be violated. The federal law requires 36″ of clear space, while Franklin’s local standard is 48″.

The city also requires, under the new ordinance, that a merchant provide proof of insurance listing the City of Franklin as an additional insured for sandwich board signs and merchandise for sale. It’s a simple and inexpensive certificate to get from your insurance provider and the certificate of insurance will be required as part of the application process when that process is in place (again, this part is not ready yet). This will not apply to decorative items in front of the store such as planters and benches that are not for sale.

Downtown Franklin has become a more fun and welcoming environment since the sidewalk cafes were added by another ordinance in 2004. The new ordinance gives retail shops some of the same opportunities that the restaurants have to engage shoppers before they even come through the door.