(City of Lacombe)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

supporting local business

Lacombe city council streamlines outdoor patio approvals

Apr 15, 2021 | 9:02 AM

Lacombe city council has passed a streamlined outdoor patio approval process in support of local businesses affected by recent provincial public health orders.

Officials say the goal is to create more usable space for outdoor dining.

The City of Lacombe’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) now has the authority to approve new and expanded patio space on both public and private property.

“City council recognizes public health orders have had an uneven effect on some businesses in our community,” said Mayor Grant Creasey in a release. “These temporary powers will allow those businesses to expand their outdoor dining service in a time of great need. City council will continue to work with our business community to address the current challenges.”

The CAO can now approve extended patios, even those that do not meet the criteria established by the City’s On-Street Patio Policy started last summer.

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On public property, patios can now be approved on more public spaces than the original policy allows, including green spaces, public plazas, boulevards, and sidewalks.

On private property, the CAO can approve extended patios without the normal notification and processing time – given the owner of the business has the permission of the property owners and tenants affected by the change.

Officials further note that the City’s Planning and Development division has streamlined their approval process – meaning patios not requiring construction can be approved in as little as one day. Additionally, the City will be waving the typical application and development fees and refunding businesses who have already applied for a patio in 2021.

The City’s Parks Department is also taking an inventory of unused or underutilized picnic tables, which businesses can use to expand their patio space at a reduced cost.

“Anything that can be done for the hardest-hit businesses in our community will make a difference for their long-term success,” said Monica Bartman, Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “We encourage Lacombe residents to continue supporting the local economy as we move through this next closure.”

The temporary changes are in effect only for 2021.