Council adopts zoning amendment requiring special permits for fast-food outdoor dining

The committee on ordinance, charter and rules voted to adopt a zoning amendment requiring most fast‑food restaurants to seek a special permit before adding outdoor seating.

The measure, introduced by the committee chair and discussed with Solicitor Salvati, clarifies that two existing special permits — for Press Café and Starbucks in Reuben Landing — included conditions granting outdoor seating only after council action. The amendment requires other fast‑food establishments without preexisting designated outdoor dining areas to apply for either a major or minor site plan modification and a public hearing before the council.

The ordinance text included procedural details for how restaurants would request major or minor modifications to a site plan and the circumstances under which a special permit would be required. Council members emphasized that a special permit would let the council and staff evaluate safety, parking and zoning compliance; Commissioner Quinn was identified as the official who would perform site visits to confirm feasibility and safety. The ordinance also notes that outdoor alcohol sales would require approval from the licensing commission.

Councilors spoke in favor of the change as a way to support local restaurants while allowing the city to consider public-safety and parking impacts, particularly in larger commercial areas such as the Woburn Mall. After discussion, a motion that the amendment be adopted was made and seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The vote was taken by voice and recorded as “Aye; motion carries.” No roll‑call vote or individual tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

The amendment will now be incorporated into the council’s ordinance record for further processing and implementation according to the city’s zoning and permitting procedures.