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Council expands zoning for larger outdoor vending machines, adds safety standards
Summary
Savannah’s Planning Commission and council approved a text amendment to allow larger outdoor vending machines (>25 sq ft) in Office/Institutional Expanded and Neighborhood Business districts, require bollards or similar protective devices, limit locations to collectors/arterials and maintain a 300‑foot separation between similar uses; devices remain prohibited in local historic districts.
A planner from the Metropolitan Planning Commission presented changes to sections 8.7.0.22 and 8.7.0.23 governing outdoor vending machines. The amendment clarifies the treatment of smaller vending kiosks (under 25 square feet) and expands where larger vending machines (over 25 square feet) may operate — adding Office/Institutional Expanded and Neighborhood Business zoning districts — while preserving a prohibition in local historic districts.
The proposal also adds site‑safety standards: bollards or similar devices to shield machines from vehicles, location limits to collector and arterial roads and a 300‑foot minimum separation between similar uses. MPC staff recommended approval, saying the changes align standards with current and projected land‑use patterns.
There were no opposing public comments at the hearing. Council moved to consider first reading as second and placed the ordinance upon its passage; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff will incorporate the amendment into zoning tables and publish guidance on spacing and safety devices.
