The review comes after the council consulted with a number of outdoor dining and street trading businesses, patrons and people who use the footpaths and roads. 

The report includes amendments to outdoor dining barriers, umbrellas, blinds and weather treatments, display of goods, advertising, furniture supply and busking. 

Planning and development director Prue Mansfield said the recommendations were designed to introduce flexibility and innovation into the code's design. 

"(Council) wants to work with businesses to create a diverse, strong and growing economy that entices people to live in and visit our region," she said. 

“The recommendations set design standards that aim to encourage vibrant, active and colourful street frontages, so it is important to ensure any changes can support this ideal.

“Businesses advised (council) officers that outdoor dining creates an attractive atmosphere that encourages people to come into their businesses.

"However the ability to draw the public in must be done so in a way that balances business needs with public space usage in a safe and responsible manner.

Ms Mansfield said outdoor dining permits issued to CBD businesses had more than tripled from 21 to 69 since 2001 and this was another reason for the assessment. 

The review process began in March following a dispute with restaurant Masons of Bendigo. 

Masons was forced to take down its black picket fence after the council ruled it did not comply with the Outdoor Dining and Street Trading Code of Practice.

Cr Rod Fyffe said at the time outdoor dining was growing in popularity and the council had encouraged people to be “a bit more adventurous” in what they were offering. 

“The codes do need to be looked at on a regular basis and it’s timely at this stage,” he said. 

“I’m sure there are other designs around worth considering too, whether it be height, colours, materials, textures... all that is worthy of consideration to make it a vibrant, safe and enjoyable experience.”