Item 4FCITY OF
SOUTHLAKE
To: City Council
MEMORANDUM
September 13, 2021
From: Ken Baker, AICP — Sr. Director of Planning & Development Services
Subject: Item 4F — Consider 480-FFFFF, amendments to the City of Southlake
Zoning Ordinance No. 480, as amended, pertaining to solar energy
systems, commercial outdoor dining area, brew pubs and other similar
uses.
Purpose:
The purpose of this item is to consider and provide a recommendation to City Council on
amending Zoning Ordinance 480 to add the following regulations and permitted uses:
1. Add brew pubs as a permitted use (by right) in the City's commercial zoning
districts (C2, C3, DT).
2. Add craft brewer as a permitted use (by right) in the C3 and DT districts and with
approval of a Specific Use Permit in the C-2 district.
3. Provide regulations that outdoor dining patio dining, seating, tables and
accompanying accessories (i.e. umbrellas) are permitted as an accessory use/function
for establishments offering food or beverages.
4. Amend the current solar energy system regulations to reflect Texas Senate Bill
(SB) 398 that was adopted during this past legislative session and exempts a
municipality from prohibiting the installation of a solar device by a residential or small
commercial customer.
Background Information/Proposed regulations:
The following will provide the City Council with a brief overview for the purpose of the
ordinance changes followed by the proposed regulations.
Brew Pubs and Craft Breweries:
Background:
The popularity of brew pubs and craft breweries is growing across the U.S. and are now
becoming a common use in downtown and retail / shopping areas. Industry trends indicate
that the demand for brew pubs and craft breweries will continued to grow over the
foreseeable future.
A brewpub is primarily an eating and drinking establishment (restaurant) with a small brewery
on or in a nearby premise which produces beer or malt beverages, and where the majority of
the beer produced is consumed on site. However, some beer pubs may have the ability to
sell to distributors, self -distribute or transport beer with an appropriate State license. A
brewpub produces less than 10,000 barrels annually per State law.
A craft brewery is a retail commercial use with a small brewery located on the premise or
adjacent premise for the manufacturing, bottling, packaging and dispensing of beer, sales to
the consumer for on or off -premise consumption. Retail sales of products related to the
brewery operation are permitted. Food can be served but is optional. Sales to a qualified
wholesaler is permitted and production is limited to the maximum of number of barrels
defined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. A Specific Use Permit approved by
the City Council under the term "bar or tavern" will still be required if the establishment
derives 75% or more of the establishment's gross revenue from the on -premise sale of
alcoholic beverages.
Currently, the City has not defined these uses (brew pub/craft brewery) in our zoning
ordinance. The City has permitted a couple of brewpub activities under the C-3 zoning
district accessory provisions. However, permitting the use under this provision only allows
this type of use in the C-3 district and does not provide any general standards. It is believed
that as the demand for a brew pub or craft brewery operations increase, it would be beneficial
to establish a formal definition and regulations.
The proposal is to allow brew pubs by -right in the following C2, C3 and DT commercial
districts and to allow craft breweries by -right in the C3 and DT zoning districts and allow by
specific use permit (SUP) in the C-2 zoning district.
The staff's basis for recommending brew pubs by -right in the C2, C3 and DT districts that that
a brew pub functions almost identical to a restaurant in terms of impact on the surrounding
land uses and currently restaurants are permitted by right in these three districts.
Craft breweries have similar land use impact as a retail uses which are permitted in the C-2,
C-3 and DT district. However, due the distribution component of a craft brewery, in some
cases the use may result the distribution of product and corresponding truck traffic. Some of
the City's C-2 zoned properties are adjacent to residential properties and as such some
activity associated with a brew pub could possibly have an impact on adjacent residential
property. As such, the staff is recommending a specific use permit for craft breweries in the
C-2 zoning districts.
Proposed Regulations:
Add the following to Section 4 — Definitions
BREW PUB - An eating and drinking establishment with a small brewery on premise or on an
adjacent premise which is authorized to manufacture, brew, bottle, can, package, and label
malt beverages/beer to sell or offer without charge to the ultimate consumer for on -site and
off -site consumption, transport, sell to distributors, or self -distribute. Food sales must be
greater than 50% of the gross receipts of the business. Production is limited to a maximum of
10,000 barrels annually or as defined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
All operations, even if described as a permitted activity in this definition, must adhere to all
TABC regulations. The owner/operator shall obtain all required TABC permits/licenses prior
to operating.
Add a Brew Pub as a permitted use in the following sections:
Section 21 — "C-2" Local Retail Commercial District
Section 22 — "C-3" General Commercial District
Section 37 — "D7 Downtown District
Add the following to Section 4 — Definitions
CRAFT BREWERY — A retail commercial use with a small brewery located on the premise or
on an adjacent premise which is authorized to manufacture, brew, bottle, can, package, and
label malt beverages/beer to sell or offer without charge to the ultimate consumer for on -site
and off -site consumption, transport, sell to distributors, or self -distribute. Sampling or tastings
of product are permitted. Retail sales of products related to the brewery operation are
permitted. Food can be served but is not required. Production is limited to the maximum of
number of barrels as defined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. All operations,
even if described as a permitted activity in this definition, must adhere to all TABC
regulations. A Specific Use Permit approved by the City Council under the term "bar or
tavern" is required if the establishment derives 75% or more of the establishment's gross
revenue from the on -premise sale of alcoholic beverages and the operation is located is a "C-
3" or "DT" Downtown zoning dist. A craft brewery in a "C-2" Local Retail District shall only be
permitted with approval of a specific use permit; and sales from a craft brewery located in a
C-2 district shall not derive 75% or more of the establishment's gross revenue from the on -
premise sale of alcoholic beverages. The owner/operator shall obtain all required TABC
permits/licenses prior to operating.
Add a Craft Brewery as a permitted use in the following sections:
Section 22 — "C-3" General Commercial District
Section 37 — "D7 Downtown District
Modify Section 45.1 and add Craft Brewery as a Specific Use .
45.1.50
SPECIFIC USE
DISTRICT WHERE PERMITTED
50. Craft B[gAery
C2
45.18
1. Sales from a craft brewery shall not derive 75% or more of the establishment's gross
revenue from the on -premise sale of alcoholic beverages.
Outdoor Patio Dining
Background:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City developed temporary outdoor dining regulations
that allowed seating and dining options to better meet the needs of the customer. These
regulations were popular and effective during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and
following a work session with City Council, staff was directed to develop permanent
regulations that would allow this activity as a permitted accessory use.
The regulations as proposed would allow outdoor seating and dining and standard accessory
uses (i.e. portable umbrellas) to be approved administratively if provided within the
regulations established. Provision of the outdoor seating area may not result in the alteration
of the building, sidewalk or other infrastructure. Also, any installation of permanent
improvements such as barriers, shade structures or canopies will still require site plan
approval. The outdoor seating area will require a permit by the City and will only be issued
following an inspection by the Building Official or Fire Marshal or the assigned designee.
Proposed Regulations:
34.1 AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY USES - In addition to other uses which are customarily
incidental to the principal use of the premises, the following accessory uses are specifically
authorized in the listed zoning district when constructed or operated in conjunction with an
appropriate principal use:
Modify Section 34.1 Accessory Uses as shown below:
ACCESSORY USE
Districts where permitted
nn. Outdoor Patio Dining (seating, tables
C1, C2, C3, DT
and portable umbrellas) in which the
following criteria is met:
1. Patio area shall not exceed 25% of the
restaurants indoor dining square footage
area or 800 square feet, whichever is
less, unless specifically approved by City
Council as part of a site plan.
2. Sidewalk clearance of Americans with
Disability Act (ADA) standards (36") must
be maintained.
3. Must be located on -site and not create
a safety or traffic hazard.
4. Cannot be located within a fire lane.
5. Shall not eliminate any required
parking.
6. Shall be maintained in a clean and
orderly fashion and meet all applicable
County and State regulations and Texas
Alcoholic Beverage Control Regulations.
7. May not result in the alteration of the
building, sidewalk or other infrastructure.
8. Must not include any permanent
improvements such as barriers, fences,
canopies, awnings, etc.
9. Proof of permission to install an
outdoor patio area is required to be
submitted to the City in writing from the
property owner and/or the property
management company.
All patios must be approved by the City's
Fire Marshal and Building Official or the
assigned designee. Barriers may be used
to demarcate the patio dining area.
Barriers can include wood, metal or
synthetic fencing, planters, or other
devises approved by the Planning and
Development Services Department. An
encroachment agreement with the City
may be required for any outdoor patio
areas located in the right of way.
Solar Panels-
Background -
The City currently regulates Solar Energy Systems via Section 45 (Specific Use Permit) and
Section 34 (Accessory Use) of the Zoning Ordinance. Senate Bill 395 was adopted during
the most recent legislative session and essentially preempts the City from regulating the
installation of solar energy systems for residential and small commercial customers except to
the following extent:
• A property owner's association may prohibit the installation under Sections 202.010 (d)
(1) through (7) of the property code.
The property code only requires that the system conform to the slope of the roof; frames or
brackets be of a certain color, that the system is installed per warranty and in a manner that
does not create a health and safety issue, and that ground systems do not extend above the
fence line.
A small commercial customer is defined by the State as a non-residential retail customer
having a peak demand of 1,00 kw or less.
Add the following to Section 4 — Definitions
Small commercial customer - A non-residential retail customer having a peak demand of
1,000 kilowatts (kW) or less as defined by the State of Texas Utility Code as mended.
Modify Section 34.1 Accessory Uses as shown below:
II. Solar Energy Systems — Roof mounted Solar Panels in
All applicable Zoning
Residential and Non -Residential Districts are permitted for all
Districts — Site Plan
residential and small commercial customers under the following
Required
standards as established by State law: (480-FFFFF):
A. Residential and small commercial customers:
i. Conforms to the slope of the roof and has a top edge that is
parallel to the roofline.
ii. Has a frame, a support bracket, or visible piping or wiring that is
silver, bronze, or black tone commonly available in the
marketplace.
iii. If a ground mounted system is located in a fenced yard or patio
the system cannot be taller or exceed the height the fence line.
iv. Shall not create a public health or safety issue or violate a law.
v. A letter submitted to the City from the installer indicating the
system was installed per material warranty.
Il. Solar Energy Roof mounted Solar Panels in
ysterns
mm. Solar Energy Systems — Roof mounted Solar Panels in Non -
Residential Districts are permitted under the following standards
(480-DDDDD) (For small commercial customers see section
34.1.11)
A. Flat roof structures
1) A line of site analysis demonstrates that the system is not visible
from any public or private roadway/right of way or any residential
zoned or residentially land use plan property within 300 feet of the
structure.
B. Solar Shingle or Roof Material
i. Any solar energy system such as a solar shingle that cannot be
differentiated from a typical roofing shingle or material.
Planning and Zoning Commission:
All Non -Residential
Districts — Site Plan
Required.
At its September 9, 2021 meeting the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
approval (7-0).
ORDINANCE NO. 480-FFFFF
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 480, AS AMENDED, THE
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE,
TEXAS; AMENDING SECTION 34, ACCESSORY USES, SECTION 20 C-1
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL; C-2 LOCAL RETAIL COMMERCIAL
USES; C-3 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, SECTION 45 SPECIFIC
USE PERMITS, AND SECTION 4 DEFINITIONS REGULATIONS
PERTAINING BEER PUBS, CRAFT BREWERIES, SOLAR ENERGY
SYSTEMS, SMALL COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS AND OUTDOOR PATIO
DINING PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF
ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING
FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Southlake, Texas is a home rule city acting under its charter
adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and
Chapter 9 of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the city has adopted Ordinance No. 480, as amended, as the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for the city; and
WHEREAS, the city council has determined that it is appropriate and in the best
interest of the city to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its residents by
amending Ordinance No. 480 as provided herein; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning commission and City Council have given
published notice and held public hearings with respect to the amendment of the zoning
ordinance as required by law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1
Ordinance No. 480, as amended, the City of Southlake's Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance, Section 4 is hereby amended by changing the following definitions to read as
follows:
BREW PUB - An eating and drinking establishment with a small brewery on premise or on an
adjacent premise which is authorized to manufacture, brew, bottle, can, package, and label
malt beverages/beer to sell or offer without charge to the ultimate consumer for on -site and
off -site consumption, transport, sell to distributors, or self -distribute. Food sales must be
greater than 50% of the gross receipts of the business. Production is limited to a maximum of
10,000 barrels annually or as defined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
All operations, even if described as a permitted activity in this definition, must adhere to all
TABC regulations. The owner/operator shall obtain all required TABC permits/licenses prior
to operating.
CRAFT BREWERY — A retail commercial use with a small brewery located on the premise or
on an adjacent premise which is authorized to manufacture, brew, bottle, can, package, and
label malt beverages/beer to sell or offer without charge to the ultimate consumer for on -site
and off -site consumption, transport, sell to distributors, or self -distribute. Sampling or tastings
of product are permitted. Retail sales of products related to the brewery operation are
permitted. Food can be served but is not required. Production is limited to the maximum of
number of barrels as defined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. All operations,
even if described as a permitted activity in this definition, must adhere to all TABC
regulations. A Specific Use Permit approved by the City Council under the term "bar or
tavern" is required if the establishment derives 75% or more of the establishment's gross
revenue from the on -premise sale of alcoholic beverages and the operation is located is a "C-
3" or "DT" Downtown zoning dist. A craft brewery in a "C-2" Local Retail District shall only be
permitted with approval of a specific use permit; and sales from a craft brewery located in a
C-2 district shall not derive 75% or more of the establishment's gross revenue from the on -
premise sale of alcoholic beverages. The owner/operator shall obtain all required TABC
permits/licenses prior to operating.
SMALL COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER - A non-residential retail customer having a peak
demand of 1,000 kilowatts (kW) or less as defined by the State of Texas Utility Code as
mended.
SECTION 2
Ordinance No. 480, as amended, the City of Southlake's Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance, Sections 21, 22, 37 and 45 are hereby amended to read as follows:
Add "Brew Pub" as a Dermitted use in the followina sections:
Section 21 — "C-2" Local Retail Commercial District
Section 22 — "C-3" General Commercial District
Section 37 — "D7 Downtown District
Add "Craft Brewery" as a permitted use in the following sections:
Section 22 — "C-3" General Commercial District
Section 37 — "D7 Downtown District
Modify Section 45.1 to add "Craft Brewery" as a Specific Use:
4.r; 1 .F,n
SPECIFIC USE
DISTRICT WHERE PERMITTED
50. Craft B[@Aery
C2
SECTION 3
Ordinance No. 480, as amended, the City of Southlake's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance,
Section 34.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
ACCESSORY USE
Districts where
permitted
nn. Outdoor Patio Dining (seating, tables and portable umbrellas) in
C1, C2, C3, DT
which the following criteria is met:
1. Patio area shall not exceed 25% of the restaurants indoor dining
square footage area or 800 square feet, whichever is less, unless
specifically approved by City Council as part of a site plan.
2. Sidewalk clearance of Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
standards (36") must be maintained.
3. Must be located on -site and not create a safety or traffic hazard.
4. Cannot be located within a fire lane.
5. Shall not eliminate any required parking.
6. Shall be maintained in a clean and orderly fashion and meet all
applicable County and State regulations and Texas Alcoholic
Beverage Control Regulations.
7. May not result in the alteration of the building, sidewalk or other
infrastructure.
8. Must not include any permanent improvements such as barriers,
fences, canopies, awnings, etc.
9. Proof of permission to install an outdoor patio area is required to
be submitted to the City in writing from the property owner and/or
the property management company.
All patios must be approved by the City's Fire Marshal and Building
Official or the assigned designee. Barriers may be used to
demarcate the patio dining area. Barriers can include wood, metal or
synthetic fencing, planters, or other devises approved by the
Planning and Development Services Department. An encroachment
agreement with the City may be required for any outdoor patio areas
located in the right of way.
II. Solar Energy Systems — Roof mounted Solar Panels in
All applicable Zoning
Residential and Non -Residential Districts are permitted for all
Districts — Site Plan
residential and small commercial customers under the following
Required
standards as established by State law: (480-FFFFF):
A. Residential and small commercial customers:
i. Conforms to the slope of the roof and has a top edge that is
parallel to the roofline.
ii. Has a frame, a support bracket, or visible piping or wiring that is
silver, bronze, or black tone commonly available in the
marketplace.
iii. If a ground mounted system is located in a fenced yard or patio
the system cannot be taller or exceed the height the fence line.
iv. Shall not create a public health or safety issue or violate a law.
v. A letter submitted to the City from the installer indicating the
system was installed per material warranty.
I . Selaar Energy Systems Roof men rnted Selar Panels irnT
Residential Districts
the following s+andapds-
are permitted under
A AGcessory Buildings:
i. A line of site analysis demonstrates that systtern isROt visible
from any publiG OF PFiVate roadway/right of wa-y-.
iTSystem is iRsitallerd on a flat ren`�UGtUre that is planed o
on
permanent foundation.
feet
The total solar aFFay is less than 600
square (E; rn ula+iye)
iy Annessnni Building must meet all Znninrr rent iirements in terms
of height onrl se+honLs
o Ci+it ctsE srfhnt ire .ten 4 „shin or attaGhed (Patin
B. Roof
T G1Tl�T-RTr-ellieT7TVT-VTCIiiC(�rT ri GI�"r-G�RV
extension) to the main residenGe
i A line of site analysis demonstrates that the system is net visible
ii System is installer) en a flat roof strU GtUre
mm. Solar Energy Systems — Roof mounted Solar Panels in Non -
Residential Districts are permitted under the following standards
(480-DDDDD) (For small commercial customers see section
34.1.11)
A. Flat roof structures
1) A line of site analysis demonstrates that the system is not visible
from any public or private roadway/right of way or any residential
zoned or residentially land use plan property within 300 feet of the
structure.
B. Solar Shingle or Roof Material
i. Any solar energy system such as a solar shingle that cannot be
differentiated from a typical roofing shingle or material.
SECTION 4
All Non -Residential
Districts — Site Plan
Required.
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the City of
Southlake, Texas, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the
provisions of such ordinances, in which event the conflicting provisions of such ordinances
are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase,
clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by
the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality
shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of
this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the
incorporation in this ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence,
paragraph or section.
SECTION 6
Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to
comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
fined not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for each offense. Each day that a
violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 7
All rights and remedies of the City of Southlake are expressly saved as to any and all
violations of the provisions of Ordinance No. 480, as amended, or any other ordinances
affecting zoning yard regulations which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this
ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and
criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected
by this ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 8
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby authorized to publish this
ordinance in book or pamphlet form for general distribution among the public, and the
operative provisions of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all
courts without further proof than the production thereof.
SECTION 9
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby directed to post the proposed
ordinance in its entirety on the City website together with a notice setting out the time and
place for a public hearing thereon at least ten (10) days before the second reading of this
ordinance, and if this ordinance provides for the imposition of any penalty, fine or forfeiture for
any violation of any of its provisions, then the City Secretary shall additionally publish this
ordinance in the official City newspaper one time within ten (10) days after passage of this
ordinance, as required by Section 3.13 of the Charter of the City of Southlake.
SECTION 10
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law, and it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 1st reading the 2021.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY SECRETARY
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 2nd reading the 2021.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
CITY ATTORNEY
DATE:
ADOPTED:
EFFECTIVE: