Applicant told Live Oak alcohol license requires zoning public hearing before Board of Adjustment

An applicant seeking an alcohol beverage license for a convenience-store location in the City of Live Oak was told by city staff that the zoning code requires a public hearing before the Board of Adjustment and that the city cannot complete the licensing signature without that hearing.

Brenda Williams introduced the applicant, who identified himself as Daryl Bridget and said he had completed his licensing packet but needed one signature tied to zoning. The city’s development manager told the council that "the zoning requires a public hearing before the Board of Adjustment in a public hearing setting" and that the Board can approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request. The manager said the process requires an application fee and public notice.

Council members and staff discussed property layout, parking and how prior use of the site might affect the review. One official said the matter is a "quasi‑judicial" proceeding and cautioned that comments outside the formal hearing could be used as evidence, so staff could not provide further comment at the meeting. The city attorney and staff said they would collect more information, vet it with the attorney, and bring clarified materials back to the council at a future meeting.

The applicant asked whether the council office could forward a zoning signature; staff said the signature could not be provided without completing the zoning process. City staff committed to return to the council with additional clarification and next steps at a subsequent meeting.