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Council approves first reading of Title 13 zoning updates after debate over coffeehouse rules and dog‑care hours
Summary
The council introduced and approved the first reading of amendments to Santee Municipal Code Title 13 to clarify industrial use regulations, add definitions for coffeehouse/distillery/winery, and change allowed accessory food sales; staff will return Aug. 27 for second reading and adoption.
The Santee City Council on Aug. 13 introduced and conducted the first reading of an ordinance updating Title 13 (zoning) to modernize industrial‑zone use regulations, clarify definitions and consolidate duplicative categories. Planning staff said the changes were intended to align the code with prior interpretations and contemporary uses, and set a second reading and adoption for Aug. 27.
Madeline Mattson, principal planner, said the update adds definitions for coffeehouse, distillery and winery, clarifies when conditional use permits are required, and removes outdated references. The proposed changes were described as a focused update; staff said a more comprehensive SMC update would come later.
Public comment and council discussion centered on two issues: the definition of “coffeehouse” versus “coffee shop” and whether limited fresh‑made food should be allowed in industrial‑zone accessory coffee uses, and the hours permitted for animal care facilities with exterior runs. Commenter Truth asked why the term “coffeehouse” was used and whether freshly prepared sandwiches would be allowed; staff explained the intention was to allow Starbucks‑type coffee‑service businesses while preventing a full restaurant use within industrial zones. After discussion the council asked staff to remove the phrase “premade sandwiches” from the coffeehouse accessory description so limited fresh items would not be explicitly prohibited.
On animal care facilities, staff proposed allowing exterior runs by right between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in certain industrial areas to avoid a conditional use permit. Speakers and several councilmembers said those hours were too restrictive for customers who pick up animals after work; one councilmember suggested 7 a.m.–7 p.m. as a compromise. Staff said the 8–6 window reflected conditions imposed on prior conditional use permits and recommended that deviations continue to be handled by conditional use permit when necessary. Council members agreed to adjust the hours in the motion.
Councilmember Ron moved the ordinance with two staff‑recommended corrections, including removing the “premade sandwiches” wording and adjusting animal‑care hours; the motion passed unanimously.
The ordinance will return for a second reading and final adoption on Aug. 27, with the recorded motion directing staff to prepare the amended language reflecting the council’s direction.
