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Scottsburg board permits Bootleaker’s to place tables on downtown sidewalk
Summary
The Scottsburg Board of Public Works and Safety approved a request from Bootleaker’s to place three to four temporary tables and chairs on the public sidewalk and to use the adjacent alley for occasional events, with staff noting the Unified Development Ordinance requires board approval for use of the public right-of-way.
The Scottsburg Board of Public Works and Safety on an early June 2025 meeting approved a request from Bootleaker’s to place three to four tables and accompanying chairs on the sidewalk in front of the business and to use the adjacent alley for occasional, temporary activities.
The request came from Jerry Bullock, representing Bootleaker’s, who told the board, “I just want to put 3 to 4 tables out in front of the bar and, 2 chairs to table and a nurse can handle.” City staff advised the board that the Unified Development Ordinance treats sidewalks as public right-of-way and that the board’s approval is the process previously used for similar requests.
The staff explanation noted the city has allowed comparable uses before, saying the Unified Development Ordinance “states that since those are a public right of way, that the board just needs to approve someone using them” and that the board previously approved similar placements for other downtown businesses. Staff also said the board typically expects a clear pedestrian passage — described in the meeting as roughly a four-foot passage — and emphasized the uses should be temporary and should not obstruct vehicle access.
Bullock told the board the tables would be on the sidewalk, that alcohol would not be served outside, and that use of the alley would be occasional and protected with cones or other temporary measures. The board asked whether the alley was routinely drivably accessible; Bullock said parts of it have low overhangs and are not normally used for vehicle traffic.
Board member Karen made the motion to approve the request and Tom seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with all members saying “aye.” The board did not attach additional written conditions at the meeting beyond the standard expectation that the placement remain temporary and not obstruct the right-of-way.
The approval applies to Bootleaker’s specific request as described at the meeting; staff and the board said other businesses had previously been granted similar, case-by-case permissions under the same ordinance.
