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Columbia City explores downtown DORA and moves to formalize outdoor seating rules
Summary
City officials discussed creating a downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area and an ordinance to standardize outdoor seating, citing state law and business concerns; no formal action was taken on the DORA at the meeting.
Columbia City leaders discussed plans for a downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, known as a DORA, and an ordinance to standardize outdoor seating during the council meeting in June 2025.
Jackson Longvall, the community engagement specialist, said the mayor——————team has begun drafting a DORA proposal and is handling business and licensing concerns. "We're getting a little pushback from restaurants," Longvall said, explaining that some establishments have limited liquor licenses that restrict service beyond their premises.
The discussion focused on state law that authorized DORAs in 2023 and on practical questions the city must answer before a local designation. "We just have to there's a lot of red tape involved," Longvall said, describing ongoing checks about how close designated DORA space could be to churches or schools and how drink service would be controlled.
Mayor (name not specified) told the meeting the DORA proposal is separate from an ordinance the council is considering that would set a consistent process for approving outdoor seating. "No. It doesn't. Yeah. So we're also looking at an ordinance tonight regarding outdoor seating," the mayor said, describing the seating ordinance as a way to create consistent approvals while protecting ADA accessibility and sidewalk walkability.
Council members and staff said they are reviewing how other Indiana cities implemented DORAs and ordinances, citing examples in larger communities as models for mapping the area and writing local regulations. Columbia City Connect, a downtown business organization, was identified as supportive of exploring a DORA.
No formal vote on creating a DORA occurred at the meeting. Council discussion emphasized steps that remain: define the DORA map and proximity limits, confirm licensing and state requirements, and decide what local rules (for example, designated cups or stickers for permitted drinks) will be required.
If the council pursues a DORA, it would need to adopt a local measure consistent with the state law authorizing DORAs and clarify any local requirements beyond state code.
