02/10/2010 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • STAFF ORIGINATOR: P & Z MEETING DATE: TOPIC: BACKGROUND AGENDA ITEM V B Jeff Smyser February 10, 2010 PUBLIC HEARING Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Regarding: • Requirements for Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Seating in Business Zoning Districts, and; • Alcoholic Beverage Service and Other Uses in Golf Courses Outdoor seating is becoming a more common amenity. The zoning ordinance currently requires a conditional use permit for outdoor dining areas at restaurants. Whereas site plan reviews for new commercial buildings are reviewed administratively, a conditional use permit requires a public hearing and approval by the city council. This adds time and expense for a business while adding no benefit to the public that can't be provided through an administrative review. Revising this requirement will create a more friendly environment for new and existing businesses. A second concern is that the zoning ordinance does not address outdoor seating for businesses that are not restaurants or that is not for "dining ". For example, a coffee shop may have seating outdoors, or a grocery or convenience store may want some outdoor seating for customers to enjoy snacks purchased in the store. Such seating may or may not include tables with aisles between the tables. Nonetheless, if not properly designed, informal seating has the potential for many of the same issues of pedestrian and vehicle safety that would arise with more formal outdoor dining areas at restaurants. That such seating is not addressed in the ordinance creates confusion, while requiring a conditional use permit for it is unnecessarily burdensome. Addressing this is another means of improving the business environment. A separate issue has arisen from discussions with the Anoka County Parks Department regarding activities at the Chomonix golf course. The golf course would like to upgrade its liquor license to include serving strong beer rather than only 3.2 beer. This question raised numerous issues regarding activities allowed by the zoning ordinance in the zoning district where golfing now occurs and in other zones where golf activities are allowed but don't currently occur. Addressing these issues improves the ability for golf courses to operate and supports cooperation with Anoka County Parks.