Staff will review the proposed Text Amendment creating a new zoning category for Eating, Drinking and Entertainment Establishments, which includes new regulations to separate restaurants, bars and nightclubs with outdoor dining from adjacent residential properties.
With its vague definitions of restaurants and nightclubs, the City’s existing zoning code creates a great deal of confusion for owners and operators of dining establishments, as well as for the commercial brokers who need clarity to understand whether or not a particular use will be allowed on a client’s property.
Between 2010 and 2011, the city issued more than 29 notices of violation to establishments that failed to comply with their zoning conditions (most were for separation requirements). So in 2011, the City began the process of developing new definitions for restaurants, bars and nightclubs, to eliminate confusion and provide greater flexibility for property owners. The process was put on hold in 2012 while the Noise Ordinance was updated, and got underway again late last year.
REBIC is evaluating the proposed language, which is summarized HERE. A public hearing on the Text Amendment is scheduled for February 17th. We welcome any input from our broker and commercial developer members on this important subject.
For additional information on the Restaurant/Bar/Nightclub stakeholder group, including PowerPoint presentations by staff, click HERE.
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