PITTSBORO — It may soon be a lot easier to open a bar in Pittsboro.
At its regular meeting on Monday, the Pittsboro board of commissioners entertained a public hearing to discuss a potential zoning ordinance adjustment that would permit easier construction and operation of nightclubs, bars and taverns.
Attendance was scant. No members of the public signed up to speak, and Commissioner Michael Fiocco and Town Manager Chris Kennedy were both absent.
“Planning staff is requesting a text amendment to the Pittsboro zoning ordinance regarding nightclubs, bars and taverns,” said Theresa Thompson, the town’s senior planner and interim planning director.
Under current ordinance, such businesses require a special use permit, but the amended ordinance would permit them to operate under highway commercial and central commercial “use-by-right” classifications.
“The purpose of this text amendment is to support and promote local businesses in town,” Thompson said.
Town staff recommended the board slash all special use permit requirements from town ordinance as respects nightclubs, bars and taverns. Those requirements include the following:
• No nightclub, bar or tavern shall be located within 500 feet of any other nightclub, bar or tavern
• No such establishment shall be located within 200 feet of a church, elementary or secondary school, public park or residentially-zoned property
• The main entrance of the building shall be toward a road zoned predominantly for nonresidential use
• A minimum 6-foot high opaque fence shall be erected adjacent to the property line of abutting residences
• Parking areas related to the establishment shall be located no closer than 30 feet to the property line of abutting residences.
The commissioners were generally amendable to the ordinance amendment but expressed some reservations about removing prohibitions on nightclub, bar and tavern proximity to residential areas.
Thompson emphasized, though, that other ordinances still exist which should prevent raucous activity within view and earshot of people’s homes.
“The town also has a noise ordinance,” she said. “So, if noise is a concern, there are existing standards in place for that as well.”
Thompson asked that the board forward town staff’s amendment recommendation to Pittsboro’s planning board for further critique, a request the commissioners granted with a unanimous vote.
With nothing further to discuss on their agenda, the commissioners concluded Monday’s meeting in record time.
Reporter D. Lars Dolder can be reached at dldolder@chathamnr.com and on Twitter @dldolder.