City officials try to figure out how to allow outdoor service areas for restaurants

Members of the Decorah Economic Development and Community Betterment Committee say they fully support a request by Don Jose Restaurant for an outdoor seating area in front of the restaurant.  Now they will have to figure out how to modify existing city ordinances to allow the request.

After a lengthy discussion Monday night, committee members agreed they needed some help with defining what an outdoor service area is and what factors should be considered in whether to allow such an area.  Committee members said they would want to be able to consider traffic issues, safety issues, parking issues and the proximity of residential areas before granting a permit for an outdoor service area.

City Attorney Rick Zahasky will be asked for help in coming up with better definitions that can be used in the city ordinance.