Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Amy McWhorter, Downtown Development Coordinator
Contact Info
(830) 221-4057 - amcwhorter@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Presentation and possible direction to Staff regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 114 of the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding sidewalk cafes in the Downtown area.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The City of New Braunfels has begun work on Phase I of the Downtown Pedestrian Improvement Project, improving the existing sidewalks to create a continuous Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant path within Downtown. Additionally, recent administrative interpretations by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) have resulted in a need for several businesses who previously operated open sidewalk cafes to now physically restrict general access to their sidewalk café operations by barriers/fences to comply with State requirements.
To ensure these businesses can continue to operate sidewalk cafes in a manner consistent with pedestrian access requirements throughout the area, City staff and the New Braunfels Downtown Board have collaborated on draft amendments to Chapter 114 of the City’s Code of Ordinances that would add standards and a permitting process for sidewalk cafes in Downtown.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends including the proposed amendments on City Council’s December 11th agenda for consideration.