Subject:
Title
Work session on consideration of a zoning ordinance text amendment for Section 18-72 and Section 18-210, related to the allowance of outdoor dining
Body
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.
Normally, the Town Code requires a conditional use permit for outdoor dining, per Section 18-72. 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.
In lieu of the conditional use permit process, and as a permanent replacement for a simplified and streamlined process to allow for outdoor dining, staff has proposed language modifying Section 18-72 and Section 18-210. The proposed text amendments allow for outdoor dining with administrative review and allow for dining within parking spaces, with several conditions. All permanent structures and exterior modifications would also be subject to review by the Board of Architectural Review.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing early November at a special meeting and make a recommendation to the Town Council. Town Council will hold their public hearing on November 15, 2021.