The Zoning Advisory Commission on June 4 approved a text amendment to the Unified Development Code to create a separate definition for carryout restaurants and to allow carryout restaurants as a principal permitted use in C2 Neighborhood Shopping Center, C4 Downtown Commercial and CR Commercial Recreation districts and as a conditional use in C1 Neighborhood Commercial districts.

Assistant Planner Jason Duba explained staff separated carryout restaurants from drive‑in restaurants because the two uses have different characteristics and intensities. “The operation of carryout restaurants has changed and perhaps become more efficient with online ordering in advance rather than customers arriving to the restaurant, placing an order and waiting there for it,” Duba said, describing why carryout operations typically require less space, fewer off‑street parking spaces and can occupy a storefront in a mixed‑use block.

Duba told commissioners the change follows recent interest from business owners and that carryout restaurants are already treated separately as permitted uses in the C5 Central Business district; the amendment extends similar permissions to the listed districts while making carryout restaurants a conditional use in C1.

A business owner on Central Avenue, Trawana Robinson, spoke in support and said she had consulted the health department about definitions separating convenience stores, concession stands and retail food establishments. “I have been in communication with the health department on a definition between convenience store and a concession stand and, food establishment retail food establishment,” Robinson said, adding she attended to encourage clarification that would allow a conditional permit for her planned operation.

Commissioner Forstad moved to create the separate definition and allow the use in the proposed districts; the motion passed on a roll call vote (Norton, Zuccaro, Forstad, Norman and Chair Russell voted aye). The amendment will go to the City Council for consideration on June 16, 2025.

Staff said the change aims to support walkability and small business viability by distinguishing carryout restaurants from more intensive drive‑in operations; businesses still must apply for any conditional‑use permits required in C1 or meet code requirements in other districts.