Planning staff presents proposed edits to outdoor sales, dining and storage rules; commissioners flag safety and small‑business concerns

Planning staff presented proposed revisions to Chapter 6.20 (outdoor sales, dining and storage), explaining the goals were to simplify redundant language and add consistency across sections. The primary numeric change staff proposed was a maximum outdoor sales area "no more than 4% of the patron floor area," a metric staff said was derived from comparing a large national example (Home Depot) to its indoor patron floor area.

Staff also proposed that outdoor sales not impede vehicular or pedestrian circulation, that merchandise displays not reduce parking, and that some outdoor storage be reviewed via site plan rather than by special permit. "We added the 4 no more than 4% of the patron floor area," staff said when summarizing the change.

Commissioners raised safety questions — for example, whether applicants must demonstrate protective measures (barriers) to prevent vehicles from encroaching on outdoor dining areas — and equity concerns about applying a single percentage standard to both large retailers and small mom‑and‑pop stores. Several commissioners suggested adding a minimum square‑foot provision or tiered approach so tiny businesses aren’t unduly constrained. Staff agreed to refine the draft language and to check minutes from the prior meeting about a proposed deletion of a subsection related to wait staff and removable furnishings.

The item remains under discussion; staff will return with edited text that addresses safety, small‑business impacts and any language clarifications the commission requested.