Leander Council Approves Zoning Regulations For Expanded Entertainment Opportunities

On July 9, the Leander City Council approved a zoning ordinance amendment that will enhance the city’s entertainment offerings. This move aims to increase the diversity of recreational, cultural, and social activities available to city residents.

What Does the Zoning Ordinance Amendment Entail?

The revised ordinance outlines regulations for an entertainment overlay in the city’s composite zoning ordinance. This new feature acts as a zoning designation over properties or developments, potentially hosting nightclubs, theatres, banquet halls, and other entertainment establishments. Additionally, it relaxes some of the city’s typical zoning standards & expectations, offering some leniency on operating hours, usage changes, off-premise alcohol consumption, alternative lighting, and parking.

“Over time we’ve had a lot of requests from developers where they want to see more options for outdoor entertainment,” stated Robin Griffin, Executive Director of Development Services. “It’s also one of the action items from our comprehensive plan to encourage more entertainment-style development.”

Incorporating Community Needs

The specific nature of the entertainment overlay is designed to fit the respective development area, ensuring it reflects and respects its surroundings. This means that the types of entertainment venues allowed can be adjusted based on the community’s feedback and needs.

Griffin emphasized this flexibility, stating, “If you have a developer come in and they’re surrounded by residential, and the community is not excited about outdoor noise, [we] could do things like prohibit certain items.”

Benefits for Food Truck Parks and Farmers Markets

The amendment also makes it easier for food truck parks to operate within the city. Under the previous regulations, food truck parks needed a special use permit approved by council to operate. However, the new rules allow them to operate within the entertainment overlays without this additional step.

Furthermore, the amendment introduces farmers markets into the city’s zoning code. Prior to the amendment, the city’s ordinance did not mention farmers markets, and establishing one required a special event or special-use permit. However, with the new amendment, farmers markets are allowed as part of the entertainment overlays or through special-use permits.

Emphasizing Quality Standards

In addition to the previously mentioned changes, Mayor Christine DeLisle expressed her interest in adding a minimum number of vendors or booths needed to qualify as a farmer’s market. This stipulation aims to maintain high standards and prevent random tables being set up for sales.

The council plans to consider the amendment for final approval at its July 18 meeting, according to city officials.

This zoning ordinance amendment reflects the city’s commitment to broadening entertainment & lifestyle options for its residents, contributing to Leander’s continued growth and development as a vibrant, diverse community.

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Author: HERE News