A proposal to add a fenced outdoor seating area for a cigar bar at 3510 McKelvey Road drew questions from council members Tuesday but no final vote after the council voted to table the ordinance.
Planning and zoning officer Zach Greitens told the council the applicant seeks a special-use permit to allow outdoor seating at an existing bar and lounge at the McKelvey Road/Bridgeton Square Drive corner. "The applicant is requesting to allow out door seating associated with a bar or tavern located at 3510 McKelvey Road," Greitens said.
Why it matters: The applicant would add a 1,050-square-foot patio with up to 10 tables and 40 chairs adjacent to the parking lot; staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions intended to limit noise, ensure safety from McKelvey Road and preserve parking for the site.
In the discussion, council members raised parking, hours and safety concerns. Greitens said the lot has 40 spaces and "the current establishment was exceeding the parking minimum by 15 spaces," and staff judged the excess sufficient to absorb temporary patio demand. He summarized recommended conditions: closing the patio one hour before indoor closing (patio hours requested 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 5 p.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday and 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Sunday); a six‑foot metal fence with concrete bollards; a maximum of 1,050 square feet, 10 tables and 40 chairs; shrubs along McKelvey; and a requirement to restripe and maintain parking and landscaping.
Applicant Demetria Fort said she planned the layout "to where things would be, agreeable," and said the patio would occupy area in the business’s own parking lot and that she would downsize if required. She told council members the patio surface would be repaved and that she intends to maintain handicap access.
Council members pressed specifics: Council Member Norris asked whether the requested 40 outdoor seats would exhaust available parking; Greitens repeated staff’s parking analysis. Council Member Luther and others asked about occupancy and maintenance; Greitens said occupancy is a fire-code measure and reiterated that zoning parking requirements are square‑footage based. Several members suggested the council could reduce the permitted patio size if they were concerned about sidewalk or street impacts.
Formal action: The council later moved to table the ordinance (Bill No. 6,500). Councilmember Luther moved and Councilmember Luke seconded the motion to table; the motion carried with the council voting "aye" and none opposed.
Background: The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions at its July 14 meeting by a vote of 8–2. The staff packet and the Planning Commission report were entered into the record during the hearing.
Next steps: Because the council tabled the bill, no permit is yet granted. The item will return to a future council meeting for further consideration.