In January 2009, the city formed a team to assess regulations pertaining to restaurants with alcohol sales, taverns (i.e., bars, lounges, pubs, etc.) and nightclubs.  This effort addressed recognized deficiencies in the regulatory scheme for these facilities. These deficiencies included outdated definitions that were vague and difficult to enforce and to address conflicts between the regulations relating to dancing.  Consequently, these deficiencies  resulted in inconsistent regulation of some facilities.  Our goal was to draft an amendment to the City’s codes that would simplify the definitions, consolidate all regulations related to dancing, and protect the public welfare.

As a result of our public and internal meetings with the Police Dept., we drafted an ordinance that we believe reflects contemporary business practices and provides greater options for businesses, while still protecting the integrity of neighborhoods.

The following is a synopsis of the ordinance:

1. Creates clear and concise definitions in comparison to our previous regulations that did not reflect current practices 
2. Makes the process more transparent and requires additional public participation and outreach
3. Allows all legally established businesses to continue to operate subject to compliance with the conditions that were placed on the particular establishment at the time of their approval
4. Treats all similar uses the same by zone district
5. Permits taverns in zone districts that have historically prohibited said use
6. Allows establishments to stay open later and permits dancing subject to obtaining the proper permits
7. Eliminates the Dance Permit process however still regulate the hours of dancing
8. Allows places in downtown Fresno to stay open until 4 a.m.
9. Reduces parking requirements for all restaurants and greatly reduces parking requirements in downtown

The City Council approved the ordinance which goes into effect on Nov. 23, 2009.  Note that operators must still apply for a Conditional Use Permit even though they may already have one, for the new regulations to apply to their establishment.

City Council Public Hearing Notice (Oct. 15 & Oct. 22, 2009)

Planning Commission Report (Sept. 16, 2009)
Draft Ordinance to be presented to the Planning Commission on Sept. 16, 2009 (updated Sept. 11, 2009)
Environmental Assessment (Sept. 4, 200)

August 12, 2009 Meeting 
August 12, 2009 3rd Public Information Meeting Presentation
Draft Ordinance (updated on July 30, 2009)

For additional information or to provide comments please contact Arnoldo Rodriguez at (559) 621-8172 or via e-mail at Arnoldo.Rodriguez@fresno.gov. 

In addition, you may view previous presentations to interested stakeholders and the Planning Commission.

Public information meeting draft ordinance (handed out at the meeting, May 27, 2009)
Public information meeting presentation (May 27, 2009)
Public information meeting invitation(May 27, 2009)

Planning Commission workshop presentation (May 6, 2009)

Stakeholder meeting #4 (April 10, 2009)

Stakeholder meeting #3 (March 23, 2009)

Stakeholder meeting #2 (February 18, 2009)

Stakeholder meeting #1 (February 4, 2009)