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El Dorado amends zoning to permit public assembly venues by special-use permit in rural districts
Summary
The city commission approved an amendment to zoning regulations to allow public assembly venues by special-use permit in Agricultural Residential (AR) and Rural Suburban (R-SW) districts following unanimous planning commission recommendation.
The El Dorado City Commission voted to amend Appendix A of the city’s zoning regulations to allow public assembly venues to operate in AR (Agricultural Residential) and R‑SW (Rural Suburban) districts by special‑use permit.
City planning staff said the amendment defines a public assembly venue as an establishment that provides space and facilities for more than 20 people for a singular event or purpose, including community centers, performing arts theaters, meeting halls and houses of worship (the definition excludes motion picture theaters, sports arenas and conference rooms associated with businesses). Under current rules such uses are permitted by right in the C‑1 (Commercial General Business) district and allowed by special‑use permit in several residential and commercial districts, but were not permitted in AR and R‑SW.
The planning commission held a public hearing July 24, 2025, evaluated the amendment for general applicability and long‑term policy implications, and recommended approval unanimously. At the city meeting the commission moved, seconded and approved the ordinance on a voice vote.
City staff said the amendment may include incidental concessions, gymnasiums, noncommercial kitchens and offices as accessory uses. The change allows the city to consider event and assembly uses in rural and fringe residential areas through the special‑use process rather than prohibiting them outright.
