Subject:
Title
Extension and re-adoption of emergency ordinance to waive zoning regulations to permit temporary outdoor activity through September 1, 2021
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
On June 1, 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.
The original emergency ordinance was valid for 60 days and was readopted June 15 to allow businesses to conduct outdoor commercial operations with a temporary permit until September 30, 2020. To assist business owners who have been negatively impacted by te various restrictions related to the novel coronavirus, Town Council approved an extension of the emergency ordinance to permit outdoor business operations to March 31, 2021, to be consistent with the continuity of government ordinance timeframe. Town Council will consider extending the emergency ordinance for another six months to September 1, 2021.
The current emergency ordinance gives the town manager authority to issue a temporary emergency outdoor commercial activity permit to businesses and is valid only until March 31, 2021.
Applications for the temporary permit are submitted online to the department of planning and zoning. Under normal circumstances, business owners would be required to pursue a formal process, which would delay their ability to reopen and impede support for revitalization of the local economy. As of February 10, 2021, 31 temporary permits have been issued.
Strategic Plan Initiative: This action aligns with two of the Town's strategic goals:
1) Vienna is an economically prosperous community.
2) Vienna is an influential and well-governed community.
Departmental Recommendation: The economic development and planning and zoning departments recommend that Town Council approve extension of this emergency ordinance. The emergency ordinance applies only to establishments that have a valid business l...
Click here for full text