The Zoning and Planning Committee held the following (see Report and watch video on NewTV):
- Request to amend to Sections 5.1.4, 6.4.29, and 7.8.2 to make on‐street dining permanent.
The Committee discussed amendments requested by the Mayor to make on-street dining permanent (8-0) for a public hearing scheduled for 2/13. The amendment proposed would allow outdoor seating without having to count the spaces in the on-site parking space calculation.
Councilor Krintzman mentioned that he does not believe parking minimums belong in the zoning code and rather than making the amendments, he prefers eliminating restaurants and food and beverage establishments from having any parking minimums in the zoning code. The Chair inquired whether the current docket item as advertised could include this discussion. Director Heath responded that the issue of parking minimums is consistent with the work they are doing on Village Center Zoning redesign but because there is a sense of urgency with the state emergency exemptions set to expire on April 1 and restaurants are looking to get this passed, the administration is hoping to move forward with the amendments. Deputy Director Caira responded that the docket item does not include language regarding eliminating parking requirements and would need clarification from the Law Department. After discussion, the committee decided to move forward and set the public hearing as advertised with discussion about the elimination of parking minimums to be taken up with Village Center Zoning.
