Local governments divide land within their jurisdictions into regulated zones that designate land into different uses and purposes.  These include residential, commercial, and industrial zones.  Each local government adopts a zoning map which provides visualization of various zones throughout the jurisdiction.

Residential zones include land that is permitted for residential use.  Residential zones may allow single-family residences and multi-family residences.

A city or town must allow neighborhood cafes to be permitted in any zone allowing residential uses, provided the following conditions are met:

• The total gross floor area of the cafe must be at least 500 square feet.
• There are no drive-through facilities.
• If alcoholic beverages are offered, food must also be offered.

A neighborhood cafe is an establishment that serves a limited menu of food items and has at least 500 square feet of gross floor area.

Hours of operation may be determined by the city or town. Cities and towns may not require more than two off-street parking spots per cafe.

(In support) Many folks would like a little coffee shop to walk to in their neighborhoods.  Neighborhood cafes are good for small businesses and create community.  People can walk from apartment complexes.  Some communities have old or vacant buildings that can be converted to something for the community.  This bill is not for every business.  There are set hours of operation and maximum square footage requirements.  This is a common sense proposal to support economic development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Another consideration is to allow neighborhood grocery stores with similar size limits.  No off-street parking should be required.

(Opposed) None.

(Other) The bill only applies to charter cities and should be expanded to include code cities as well.  There should be language prohibiting the siting of cafes in cul-de-sacs.  Almost all feedback has been positive and people want neighborhood cafes.  There may be unintended consequences as the language, as written, could include everything in a residential zone, including cul-de-sacs.  One option is to limit neighborhood cafes to areas with higher density.  Two thousand square feet may not be a neighborhood-compatible size.  The bill is silent on parking so it is assumed cities would be able to regulate parking as that should be a local decision.

(In support) Representative Mark Klicker, prime sponsor; and Scott Bonjukian.