Subject:
Title
Conference session for proposed zoning ordinance text amendment for Section 18-72 and Section 18-210, related to the allowance of outdoor dining and adoption of text amendments
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
On June 1, 2020, the Vienna Town Council approved an emergency ordinance to permit temporary waivers for outdoor commercial activity, specifically to assist businesses that were adversely affected by the ongoing pandemic.
Since then, the Town Council has approved several extensions, including the most recent extension on June 7, 2021, which is set to expire on Dec. 7, 2021. The emergency ordinance cannot be extended past Dec. 30, 2021, six-months past when the Commonwealth of Virginia's State of Emergency expired.
Twenty-two restaurants have received approval for temporary outdoor dining. Of those 22 restaurants, 13 are currently utilizing off-street parking spaces for outdoor dining space. Staff recently observed a total of 58 off-street parking spaces being utilized.
Normally, the Town Code requires a conditional use permit for outdoor dining, per Section 18-72 and Section 18-210. This requires a review by the Planning Commission and a decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals. A $1,500 fee is also associated with a conditional use permit. Per the current zoning ordinance, off-street parking spaces cannot be utilized for outdoor dining.
In lieu of the conditional use permit process, and as a permanent replacement for a simplified and more streamlined process to allow for outdoor dining, staff has proposed language modifying Section 18-72 and Section 18-210. The Planning Commission held a work session on Oct. 13, 2021 to discuss the proposed text amendments.
The proposed text amendments allow for outdoor dining with administrative review and allow for dining within parking spaces, with conditions. All structures, features, and furnishings for both permanent outdoor dining and off-street parking dining would also be subject to review...
Click here for full text