The city’s governing panel had its first discussion about the matter at a work session tonight since eight businesses were sent letters late last month saying they were violating an ordinance by displaying their goods on the sidewalk.
City Manager Paul Sabiston said he appreciated the businesses cooperating with the city after the letters were sent. He said the ordinance is 30 to 40 years old and the city has had “some up and down enforcement” of it.
“The question is do we want to have the ordinance? Maybe we want to have tables and chairs outside,” Sabiston told council. “I realize some loopholes need to be closed. The point tonight is to see council’s desire. We’re not going to resolve everything tonight.”
Sabiston said if there is interest in changing the ordinance then the city should probably hear from businesses. “It’s not the first time this has come up in North Carolina.”
The city manager said Main Street Director Charles Williams is working with the city on the matter.
Planning and Development Director Amanda Jarratt said her department is willing to work with Main Street on the issue. “Today, everyone has been in compliance who we sent letters to.”
Williams told council he has looked up more than 20 ordinances. “Most of the time when allowed they’re typically phrased in a restrictive fashion. There’s lots of ways we can do it.”
Williams said most ordinances describe where the merchandise can be displayed, whether it is a distance from the business or a percentage of the storefront. “The most common restriction is it has to (allow) four or five feet for wheelchairs. Some have a zoning designation, some have a requirement on liability insurance or a notarized statement. Some have a permitting process.”
The Main Street director said Shelby is the only city that restricts the number of days.
City Council member Greg Lawson said he wants to see the city work together with the Main Street program and come up with something tasteful that will satisfy as many citizens and businesses as possible. “Keep in mind the sidewalks are not very wide.”
Council member Suetta Scarbrough said she believes Roanoke Avenue looks cleaner and sharper without the displays, “But if I had a business I know I would want to display some of my wares on the street.”
The ordinance, she said, “Is so old it’s antiquated.”
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