Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Amy McWhorter, Downtown Development Coordinator
Contact Info
(830) 221-4057 - amcwhorter@nbtexas.org
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SUBJECT:
Title
Presentation and possible direction to staff regarding possible amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding sidewalk cafes in Downtown.
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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 state statutes and pedestrian access requirements, City staff and the New Braunfels Downtown Board have been collaborating on possible permit requirements and standards. In this presentation, staff will share ideas and possible standards that could be included in a code amendment, and is seeking direction from City Council on whether or not to bring amendments forward for consideration.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The New Braunfels Downtown Board is recommending amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances to address sidewalk cafes in Downtown.