Austin City Council To Make Zoning Change Easier For Restaurants Who Play Live Music?

On the agenda for April 23rd, the Austin City Council will review a proposed ordinance that will waive fees associated with an application for change of use from restaurant to cocktail lounge for existing restaurants that are within the CS-1, Central Business District, or Downtown Mixed Use zoning districts that own or operate a lawfully permitted outdoor music venue; and direct the City Manager to expedite permit review for all such applications.

This would only affect certain restaurants in the water-front overlay, near Barton Springs, and will not be of help to Freddie's Place or Guero's Taco Bar.

HERE is the proposed ordinance.