Brighton updates licensing, historic-preservation code and approves natural-medicine regulations; 9A passes 7-1

Brighton council members approved a series of municipal code changes on Oct. 21 addressing licensing, historic preservation, and regulations for natural-medicine businesses.

Revenue Manager Anna Liskozik summarized updates to the sales tax and licensing portions of the municipal code (Item 8A), saying the changes would streamline processes and align the code with current state law. Council questioned whether food trucks are treated as incidental vendors; staff confirmed food trucks are considered mobile vendors and must be licensed and show required fire and health inspections.

Item 8B amended the historic preservation municipal code to lower the required number of Historic Preservation Commission members from seven to five and to reduce the quorum from four to three, aligning the city code with Certified Local Government program requirements. Senior planner/historic preservationist Emily Lane presented the changes and noted staff updated bylaws in September; the code amendment passed 8-0.

On final reading, council adopted an ordinance adding regulations for natural-medicine businesses to the land-use and development code (Item 9A). That item passed 7-1. The transcript records discussion as a final-reading item; the dissenting vote was recorded but not elaborated in the public record transcript. Staff indicated this was the final reading and was available to answer questions; no public testimony was recorded on this item during the meeting.

The code updates take effect per the municipal code schedule for ordinances and administrative updates; staff will publish changes and any required guidance for affected businesses and boards.