Proposed Changes to Ordinances for Sidewalk Uses Downtown

Since February 13, 2009, a group of downtown stakeholders has been evaluating the operation sidewalk activities in downtown, and the city ordinances related to those operations. After several meetings and deliberation, a draft of proposed revisions was presented at two neighborhood meetings on October 8, 2009. This page contains information on the ordinance update process and links to the current draft version.

Main reasons for these proposed changes to ordinance:

• Having an ordinance that allows, accounts for, and governs the current and future activities occurring on downtown sidewalks. The existing ordinance, while allowing several uses, does not address all activities and their implications.
• Promote a unique and inviting downtown
• Provide for the amenable use of the public right-of-way
• Provide distinct parameters for operations, and officials clear guidance for application of regulations
• Balance the desires of the various interests downtown: retail, residential, restaurants, pubs, visitors, property owners.

Timeline:

• October 8 - Downtown Neighborhood Meetings
• December - Presentation to City Council
• TBD - City Council Action
• January 1, 2010 - Adopted changes effective
• January 1, 2010 - Supporting guidelines and applications available