KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Businesses in Kalamazoo will be able to apply to expand their services to outdoor parking areas under a new emergency ordinance approved by city commissioners.
During a virtual meeting Monday night, commissioners voted in favor of the measure, which is meant to assist businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The measure will “allow existing parking areas to be used for outdoor sales, dining, and gathering in the wake of COVID-19” by approved businesses without facing zoning violation penalties.
“Understanding that social distancing will be a part of our world for at least the near future, this Ordinance provides the flexibility for businesses to use their existing, off-street parking spaces for outdoor dining, outdoor sales, and gathering,” the measure reads in part. “It takes social distancing into consideration allowing businesses to increase capacity in a way that meets the State required distancing and acknowledges that many residents will be hesitant to be in settings that feel crowded.”
The measure goes into effect immediately and will be in place through November 1, 2020.
The idea that some parking lots approved for services becoming overfilled with citizens is not currently a concern, according to officials.
“In terms of having so many people coming that the parking lots become overflowing, between taking some spaces for fining, retail and gathering, right now, all these businesses are operating at a reduced capacity because of what’s allowed by the state,” City Planner Christina Anderson said. “I don’t anticipate, in the short term, that we will run into that problem until we increase our capacities to get closer to being full capacity.”
Businesses may have their approved application terminated if they do not adhere to the established guidelines in place. The ordinance applies to any business in the Kalamazoo area, but all businesses must be approved by the city before the allowance is made.
More information about the program is expected from the City soon. Before the meeting Monday, WWMT published an outline of the new plan and the guidelines that are in place. That outline can be viewed at this link.
The business application can be viewed here.
