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Council to hear proposed limits on outdoor patios, including 40% cap
Summary
Council set a June 2, 2025 public hearing to consider amending City Code 111.036 to eliminate seasonal patios and cap unenclosed outdoor seating at 40% of a restaurant's gross floor area, contingent on restrooms, kitchen capacity, and parking.
City staff told the council that Planning Commission deliberations in 2024 and 2025 recommended changes to City Code 111.036 to clarify distinctions among seasonal, temporary and permanent outdoor patios. The commission proposed eliminating seasonal patio allowances and limiting unenclosed/outdoor seating to no more than 40% of the gross floor area of the principal structure, subject to restroom and kitchen capacity and compliance with applicable codes. Council set a public hearing for 7 p.m. on June 2, 2025.
Mayor Carlson and council members asked clarifying questions about the 40% cap and seasonal opening dates; Council Member Whitlock noted that previous seasonal patio rules had generally limited outdoor seating from May to October, and other members said some businesses want to open earlier than May.
