Title
Public Hearing to Consider Introduction of Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code Chapter 30 (Development Regulations) to Delete Section 30-12.2 Requiring a Distance Separation of 1,000 Feet Between Bars in Alameda, as Recommended by the Planning Board. (Planning, Building and Transportation 481005)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In December 2020, the City of Alameda (City) received a request from the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) for the Planning Board to initiate a Zoning Amendment to allow bars to be located within 1,000 feet of another bar. Approval of the amendment would allow an existing bar (The Hunter Public House) on Webster Street to move to a new location on Webster Street. WABA, as well as The Fireside, an existing bar that is located within 1,000 feet of The Hunter Public House's intended new location, both support the request. Continuing efforts to support local businesses, staff expedited the review of this request.
Currently, Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) section 30-12.2 prohibits a bar from locating within 1,000 feet of another bar. On January 25, 2021, the Planning Board held a public hearing and unanimously recommended the City Council adopt the draft ordinance to eliminate the 1,000-foot distance separation requirement between bars.
BACKGROUND
Currently, existing bars in Alameda are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but prior to the pandemic, there were approximately nine operating bars in Alameda: two on Webster Street, five on Park Street, and two grandfathered bars in the C-1 districts. Staff believes that at least two of these bars do not plan to reopen after the pandemic. All of the drinking establishments at Alameda Point, such as Faction Brewery, are manufacturing facilities with accessory tasting rooms. They are not defined as bars under the AMC, therefore the Alameda Point operations are not required to be 1,000 feet apart.
Pursuant to AMC section 30...
Click here for full text