Sarasota looks to update its zoning rules for restaurants, nightclubs amid residents' concerns
The city of Sarasota will host a virtual public input session on Thursday as it seeks to update its zoning regulations for restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Sarasota's regulations surrounding the intensity of entertainment-oriented establishments – like their sound levels and operating hours – are somewhat unclear, the city said in a press release. So it plans to improve the rules through a zoning text amendment.
Previous coverage: City of Sarasota plans to update and simplify its sound ordinance
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The virtual meeting on Thursday, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will be an opportunity for the public to provide feedback as the city updates its zoning code. The meeting will address issues including the fact that some establishments classified as restaurants are operating as nightclubs late into the evening and some classified as nightclubs are not operating as such, according to the news release. Other topics of discussion will include regulating outdoor bars, suitable zoning districts and permitting processes.
Separately, City Attorney Robert Fournier is working on an update to the city's sound ordinance. At a City Commission meeting in March 2022, downtown Sarasota residents expressed concerns about noise from nightclubs and other businesses that they say negatively affects their quality of life.
To ask a question or give a comment at the meeting on Thursday, you must register ahead of time at sarasotafl-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eO4ujmTIRme_y789nxI40g?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#/registration. If you would like to view the meeting but not make a comment, you can watch the livestream on the city’s website.
Questions and comments can also be sent to communityworkshops@sarasotaFL.gov.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota seeks public input on zoning rules for restaurants, bars
