The city of Buchanan is implementing a new ordinance to help bar and restaurant owners offer outdoor dining downtown without having to jump through too many regulatory hoops.
At a meeting this week, the Buchanan City Commission held a second and final reading for the ordinance that City Manager Tony McGhee said will create an easier process for restaurants to following when adding that outdoor option.
“With the significant number of new bars and restaurants we have opening in the community, there is a desire to have an outdoor service area within the public right of way,” McGhee said. “Instead of doing the traditional license or franchise agreements, like a lot of cities do that just slow things down and take extra cost, we’ve developed an ordinance that will allow it to be done through a permit process.”
McGhee said that permit process will include a review to ensure ADA and Michigan Liquor Control Commission standards are being met. The new process means restaurants won’t have to seek a license to offer sidewalk dining and that everything can be handled by city staff.
Mayor Mark Weedon welcomed the change, saying he’s found the outdoor dining experience a lot of fun when traveling.
