Footpath Management Policy

At its meeting on 30 March 2010 the Central Otago District Council approved a
footpath management policy to provide for outdoor dining, the display of goods for
sale, and sandwich board signs on footpaths and public places within the District.

The policy seeks to control the effects of these activities by permitting the activities
whilst minimising any effects relating to pedestrian access and visual amenity.

The policy replaces outdated policies which have not been updated for a number of
years.

The Council consulted widely with business owners and the community and the
resounding response was that al fresco dining and sandwich boards add economic
vibrancy to the region and an avant garde feel to the street. It was also agreed that
there is a tipping point where too many sandwich boards can make the street look
cluttered and messy.

The approved policy permits dining and retail activity, and allows each business have
“one free sandwich board”. Any additional sandwich boards will be subject to a
consent process for a fee of $75.00. The previous sandwich board policy required a
business to obtain a licence for a single sandwich board, so businesses are
immediately in a better position.