Gatlinburg aldermen approve package of zoning changes including outdoor dining and off-street parking revisions

The Gatlinburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen on a voice vote approved a package of zoning and code amendments in their second readings, including new rules for outdoor dining, revisions to off-street parking requirements and an updated building inspection fee schedule.

The board adopted ordinance 26-46 to add a definition and provisions for outdoor dining and cafes, and ordinance 26-48 to replace the Title 12 building inspection fee schedule. Ordinance 26-45 was approved to amend multiple articles of the city zoning code. Each ordinance advanced as a second reading and public hearing; no members of the public opposed those items during the hearings.

Ordinance 26-47, which revises section 402.19 regarding off-street parking and conditions for providing off-premise parking when on-site parking cannot reasonably be provided, drew public comment. A resident who spoke during the hearing urged the commission to allow greater flexibility for shared parking and to avoid provisions that act as a barrier to development. "I think it's important to have safe parking options for a variety of businesses... If we can come and ask for help with being able to have creative parking to do our new business or expand our business, I think it's fair for the city... to add infrastructure cost onto us," the commenter said.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about prior discussions that mentioned developer responsibilities for sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. The mayor confirmed the items had passed their first readings and the planning commission had previously reviewed them; each ordinance was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting.

The measures will be reflected in the city’s municipal code upon final processing and publication of the adopted ordinances.