Council removes fence requirement for Napoli outdoor dining; ordinance carries as amended

The Kirkwood City Council amended and approved an ordinance concerning outdoor dining at Napoli, removing a Planning & Zoning‑imposed requirement for a 3‑foot fence around the restaurant's outdoor dining area.

Council considered Bill 11078, an ordinance granting an amendment to Napoli's special use permit for outdoor dining at 436 N. Kirkwood Road. Planning & Zoning had originally included a 3‑foot fence condition after members expressed concern that tables had been placed beyond the designated line separating private dining and the public plaza. Napoli manager Tom Brocklemeyer told the council the restaurant initially accepted the condition to obtain bar approval, but that the quoted fence cost of about $18,000 was a substantial burden for a business only recently opened; he said staff have tightened operations and marked boundaries to keep activity inside the permitted area.

Council members debated whether the fence was necessary to protect public space and to prevent patrons from moving into the plaza. One council member said she would oppose requiring a fence because it is public space and staff enforcement and management practices should suffice; another member suggested partial railings to show the boundary while avoiding full fencing costs. Napoli's representative said the restaurant intends to manage seating and will not encourage uncivil behavior.

A councilor offered an amendment to remove the fence requirement; the amendment carried on voice vote and the ordinance as amended passed on roll call (all members present voting yes). The council also suspended rules to allow Napoli representatives to speak during the second reading. The ordinance, as amended, will take effect as provided by law.