Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Uses topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board recommends allowing bars in downtown CB district under special-use process
Summary
The board recommended that Town Council consider an amendment to UDO section 17-410 to classify bars in the CB downtown district as a use that requires a special-use permit, matching treatment for microbreweries and reflecting existing downtown establishments.
The Planning Board voted Oct. 27 to recommend that the Town Council amend Unified Development Ordinance section 17-410 so that bars located in the CB (central business/downtown) district follow the same special-use permit process used for microbreweries.
Planning staff told the board the change would correct an inconsistency: the current table of permitted uses lists bars as an “X” (not permitted) in the CB district despite several longstanding bar operations downtown. “It’s to make it a special use permit like the microbreweries are,” the planning staff member said, explaining the proposed process would require future bars to seek a special-use permit rather than be allowed outright.
Board members discussed how existing businesses — including Hatchet Brewing and other long-standing establishments — were permitted under different designations (Hatchet as a microbrewery, others as preexisting bars) and noted the amendment would not retroactively change existing, lawfully established uses. The board moved that the amendment is consistent with the town code and recommended it be presented to the Town Council.
The recommendation now goes to the Town Council for final consideration.
