SPIN2010-59 Meeting ReportSPIN MEETING REPORT
CASE NO. N/A
PROJECT NAME: Alcohol Sales Ordinance
SPIN DISTRICT: Citywide
MEETING DATE: December 13, 2010: 6:30 PM
MEETING LOCATION: 1400 MAIN STREET, SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
MEETING ROOMS 3A & 3B
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: Ten (10)
• SPIN REPRESENTATIVE(S) PRESENT: None
APPLICANT(S) PRESENTING: Ken Baker, Director of Planning & Development
Services
• STAFF PRESENT: Lorrie Fletcher, Planner I; Daniel Cortez, Planner I; Greg Last,
Director of Economic Development; Jill Lind, Tourism Marketing Manager
STAFF CONTACT: Ken Baker, (817)748 -8067; kbaker(a�ci.southlake.tx.us
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Details
City staff presented and requested feedback on a proposed amendment to the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 480, as amended, to regulate the sale of
alcoholic beverages in certain retail zoning districts. This amendment is a result of a
local business owner's request. In May 2010, the city received the required
application for a petition and proof of publication from Greg Wilemon, Farpointe Wine
Shop. Petitions were provided and signatures were verified. By September 2010, the
City Council ordered a Local Option Election for May 14, 2011.
The City of Southlake is located in Tarrant County as well as Denton County. This is
the current status of alcohol sales:
Denton County
Tarrant County
The legal sale of beer and wine
The legal sale of beer and wine for
for off - premise consumption only
off - premise consumption only - --
---
Beer, malt liquor and wine for sale in
Beer, malt liquor and wine for
grocery stores and convenience
sale in grocery stores and
stores
convenience stores
The legal sale of mixed beverages for
on- premise consumption - --
Beer, malt liquor, wine and distilled
spirits in bars or restaurants
This is the Petition Request:
If the Local Option passes in May, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be allowed
citywide for on- premise consumption (to include Denton County); and, liquor store
sales would be allowed. These were the questions posed for consideration:
What are the implications for local zoning?
o Off - premise sale of distilled spirits (liquor stores)
What changes are being considered for the regulation of liquor stores?
• Restrict to certain zoning districts (Retail Districts such as C -3 & C -4)
• Distance Requirements
• Crime Prevention Regulations
The proposed zoning amendment will be brought to the Planning & Zoning
Commission for public hearing and recommendation to City Council followed by two
readings at City Council to include a public hearing as well.
QUESTIONS / CONCERNS
Colleyville has a similar ordinance that just came into effect. They are
learning that it didn't work out how they had hoped. It's becoming a real
problem. What can Southlake do to maximize distances?
o Southlake regulations that are in place are consistent to the rules set
by TABC (Section 109.33). It is 300 feet door to door from a church or
hospital and 300 feet from property line to property line for schools.
We review these at the time of permitting. A private school can
request a 1000' distance if the zoning ordinance is amended to permit
such a request. We can also look at limiting the use to commercial
districts.
• Can the city define appearance?
o Yes, we have regulations already in place that require certain building
materials, landscaping, and allowable impervious coverage. The City
Council may also consider requiring a specific use permit. Our city
attorneys are reviewing this option.
• What constitutes distilled spirits?
o TABC defines distilled spirits by alcohol content (prepared by the
process of distillation)... generally most alcohol other than beer or
wine, such as vodka.
• Will the ordinance be structured to control how many liquor stores are
allowed?
o We are looking at all legal aspects of this... it will ultimately be the City
Council's decision. Any applicant will have to meet all city regulations
for facade, materials, signs, etc.
• Do we have any input?
o Yes, we are open to incorporating any recommendations into the
ordinance. That is the main reason for this meeting. Please feel free
to submit any ideas or suggestions.
• Do the current regulations keep liquor stores only in C -3 and C -4 zoning
districts?
o We currently do not allow for liquor stores. If the option passes, we
are recommending limiting them to commercial districts and possibly
the DT district. The Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council
will have to make these decisions.
• What if an applicant wants to occupy an existing building?
o Some of the aesthetics of the building may be grandfathered,
however, the distance requirements would still apply. They would also
have to meet impervious coverage requirements.
• Has this ever come up before?
o Not to this extent
• Will the city analyze how much this type of business will increase the need for
public safety services?
o The data exists... the City Council will have to decide if there is a
relation.
• Will the liquor stores be allowed to have on- premise consumption?
o No. They may have sampling but on- premise consumption is limited
to bars and taverns only.
GENERAL CONCERNS:
• We do not want any big box liquor stores in Southlake that are inconsistent
with the current look and feel.
• We are concerned about having liquor stores on our borders of Keller and
Grapevine.
• We want the convenience but NO TACKY STORES
• Very concerned about maintaining control
SPIN Meeting Reports are general observations of SPIN Meetings by City staff and SPIN Representatives. The
report is neither verbatim nor official meeting minutes; rather it serves to inform elected and appointed officials,
City staff, and the public of the issues and questions raised by residents and the general responses made.
Responses as summarized in this report should not be taken as guarantees by the applicant. Interested parties
are strongly encouraged to follow the case through the Planning and Zoning Commission and final action by City
Council.