Commission reviews ‘doggy dining’ license status; city attorney advised retaining permit because of health rules
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Summary
Commissioners asked whether the city should keep or drop the optional 'doggy dining' license; staff said the city attorney recommended retaining it because state/health rules affect enforcement and the health department enforces standards.
Commissioners asked whether the city should retain its “doggy dining” license, an optional permit that allows restaurants to allow dogs in outdoor dining areas. Commissioner Cooley asked whether the program should be removed because it is rarely enforced and produces minimal revenue.
City Manager Dale Freeman said the city attorney recommended keeping the license available because health‑department rules make the matter more complex: the Health Department usually enforces food‑service restrictions, and the city does not want to eliminate an option that might be required by state or health rules. Staff said they will review the code and enforcement responsibilities and return with a recommendation and a potential fee level during the Aug. 28 fee schedule meeting.
No formal change was approved; commissioners asked staff to clarify which agency (city code enforcement or the health department) will be responsible for enforcement if the license remains.