01-25-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Orono, Minnesota Policy for Temporary Outdoor Customer Service Areas Pursuant to Mayoral Proclamation and Council Resolution, the City of Orono has declared a Peace Time Emergency due to the COVID-19 Health Pandemic. In furtherance of the federal, state, and local government response, there is a need to provide multiple additional and alternative customer service areas on commercial sites in order to limit forward facing exchanges between customers and employees, and to promote physical and social distancing between persons engaged in business activities within the City. Effective immediately, and notwithstanding any city code provision to the contrary, any business located in a commercial or industrial zone may establish drive-up or drive-thru areas, customer ordering, waiting or pick-up areas, or customer seating or service areas on its property to facilitate safe commercial activity conducted consistent with federal and state orders or guidelines. The temporary outdoor use may occur in sidewalks, some parking spaces, or undeveloped outdoor areas adjacent to their buildings without need for a variance. However, if the business is not the fee owner of the property used by the business for the temporary outdoor use, any temporary outdoor use must have written approval from the fee owner of the premises. No city permits are required; however, operators must prepare a plan to be approved by the City Administrator prior to establishing a temporary customer service area. The plan shall illustrate on-site traffic, a map of the expansion, and operational management. Additionally, the plan must show that customer service areas do not impede sidewalk usage, block disabled person parking spaces or routes, and that all activities do not create nuisance conditions for abutting properties or the general public. If alcohol is to be dispensed or consumed in the proposed temporary customer areas, the licensee must obtain a modification to their defined premises areas in the liquor license through the City Administrator. On-site signage is authorized. Temporary tables, tents and sun shelters may be erected, but any structure requiring state building and fire code permits must submit plans and permit applications for accelerated review by city staff. The City Administrator is hereby authorized to approve these amendments. The terms and conditions of this order may be modified or clarified by subsequent order and those changes may have retroactive effect. This policy will continue until the City of Orono Peace Time Emergency is ended, or the policy is repealed by subsequent City Council action. Effective this ____ day of December 2020. _________________________ _______________________ Dennis Walsh, Mayor Ronald Olson, Interim City Administrator