Belgium board approves zoning change to allow shared commercial kitchens

The Village of Belgium board on July 13 approved Ordinance 11-26, a text amendment to section 270-34 of the village code that adds subsection q to allow restaurants with expanded commercial kitchens to host shared food-processing uses, catering, mobile vending, ghost kitchens, third‑party delivery, temporary events and instructional classes in the B‑2 Community Business District.

The board convened a public hearing on the proposal after Chair read the ordinance language aloud and noted the amendment was submitted by Boots Barbecue on behalf of Peter and Christine Raymond. The Chair said the change is a text amendment that "while it is being submitted by Boots Barbecue, would apply to ... any business within the village" that seeks the conditional use.

Planning staff recommended approval, and no substantive objections were recorded during the public hearing. The board moved to approve the ordinance based on the Planning Commission's recommendation; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The amendment creates a conditional-use pathway for shared or expanded kitchen operations that could make it simpler for businesses to offer catering, food-education classes, third-party processors and delivery-focused operations within village business zoning. Proponents said it could support local business activity; no formal legal challenge or appeal was announced at the meeting.

Next steps: The ordinance was adopted on the board floor and the matter will be implemented via the village's permitting and conditional-use review process when applications are submitted.