REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution of the Council Suspending Enforcement of Specific City Code Requirements Related to Outdoor Dining and Directing the City Manager to Use Her Authority as Director of Emergency Services to Make and Issue Rules and Regulations on Matters Reasonably Related to the Protection of Life and Property as Affected by the Emergency for the Operation of Outdoor Restaurant Dining [Council Pillar: Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development]
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara Zoning Code (Santa Clara City Code, SCCC Title 18) currently allows outdoor restaurant dining as a permitted use within the City's Very High Density Mixed Use District (SCCC ?18.22.230), the Lawrence Station Zoning District (SCCC ?18.23.30), and the Transit Neighborhood District (SCCC ?18.25.030).
In the City's commercial zoning districts, outdoor seating for up to 12 seats within 250 square feet is permitted with Architectural Review approval, which costs approximately $2,000 in permitting fees and requires two months of City review and approval at the Development Review Hearing.
For proposals in commercial zoning districts with more than 12 seats or proposals located in General Office and Light and Heavy Industrial zoning districts, the operation of outdoor restaurant dining requires issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. Obtainment of a Conditional Use Permit requires several months of City review, including a Planning Commission approval process, and per the City's cost-recovery permit program requirements will cost the applicant approximately $6,000 in permit processing fees.
The Zoning Code also requires a minimum number of parking spaces be provided for restaurants based on the number of customer seats or the business's gross square floor area. Some restaurants may be able to place outdoor dining in areas currently designated for parking; however, by doing so, it would reduce the number of parking spaces ...
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