Planning commission advances restaurant code changes, park and public-safety map amendments

The City of Saint Cloud Planning Commission recommended several staff proposals affecting downtown restaurants, parks and public safety facilities.

Deputy Community Development Director Tisha Manning presented Ordinance 2026-27 (project CDA226-00004), a staff-initiated amendment to section 3.14.0.5 of the Land Development Code. The proposal removes certain restrictions that currently prevent restaurants from offering entertainment amenities (pool tables, live music, high-top tables and similar features) and adds targeted provisions for the entertainment district—requirements that establishments comply with applicable state alcohol licensing, do not charge cover charges, and avoid placing signs advertising alcoholic beverages where visible outside the establishment. Manning said the city sought to reduce the number of existing restaurants technically out of compliance and to support economic activity downtown.

Commissioners questioned the proposed language on signage and cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent limiting government regulation of sign content. Staff answered that the draft limits the location/visibility of signs rather than their content and suggested rephrasing if legal risk remains. Commissioners also clarified that spacing requirements (500-foot buffer) already exist elsewhere in the code and that noise regulation is being addressed through the city’s general noise ordinance.

A motion to recommend approval of Ordinance 2026-27 as presented passed with one dissent; the record shows a 4–1 recommendation with Commissioner Russell Alexander recorded as voting no.

Separately, the commission recommended approval of multiple land-use and zoning actions by unanimous votes: a comprehensive-map amendment and zoning change to add about 27.26 acres to the Stephanie Lee Memorial Park inventory (CPA26-00005; ZMA25-00023; ordinances 2026-32 and 2026-25); comprehensive plan and zoning changes to create a public safety facility complex on approximately 46.11 acres including a proposed 911/emergency dispatch facility (CPA26-00007; ZMA26-00006; ordinances 2026-29 and 2026-30); and a zoning map amendment for annexed Nova Road outparcels (ZMA25-00022; ordinance 2026-24). A resident who received notice asked whether her property would be affected; staff said the parcels in question do not include her home and that notices are required for properties within the specified radius.

The commission set its next meeting for July 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. and adjourned.