Zoning Code Amendments For Local Restaurants Scheduled For City Council Next Month

[UPDATED] The City Council is scheduled to consider amendments to the zoning code that would codify pandemic-era measures for restaurants, including walk-up windows by right, an Administrative Conditional Use Permit process for the on-site sale of alcohol, and outdoor dining on private parking lots and plazas.

The items were implemented during the pandemic as temporary measures to help local restaurants and the economy during the lockdown.

In April, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the City Council codify three pandemic-era measures.

At least one commissioner expressed concerns about parking lot dining near residential uses

The amendments, which are scheduled to be discussed at the July 15 meeting, would streamline the review process.

Prior to the pandemic, the process for the required Conditional Use Permits for a walk-up window and alcohol sales took four to six months.
The amendments would allow outdoor dining in parking areas up to 50 percent of the restaurant’s existing indoor dining area, including any bar area. Square footage up to 500 square feet above 50% would require new or replacement on-site or off-site parking.

Outdoor dining allowed local restaurants to continue operating and even flourishing in some cases during the pandemic.

City staff is recommending outdoor dining be continued on private property at new and existing restaurants.

Since June 2020 Pasadena has issued nearly 50 outdoor dining permits, 29 of which were issued for parking lot dining, as opposed to areas like plazas or courtyards.