Ok, so we’ve entered Phase 1, but some items may still be clear as mud. Here’s some guidance for Williamsburg business owners

The city of Williamsburg has issued emergency temporary zoning guidance to local business owners as the state entered into Phase 1 of reopening.

Statewide in a nutshell, here’s a refresher of what Phase 1 intends.

But some may be unclear on what the phase entails as far as local operations are concerned.

So here you go:

The city’s emergency temporary zoning guidelines “offer clear procedures pertaining to outdoor seating at all licensed restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, wineries and tasting rooms,” according to a city news release.

“As the Governor relaxes restrictions on businesses across Virginia, it has become obvious the city would need to provide guidance to our local entrepreneurs on best practices,” City Manager Andrew Trivette said.

The guidelines are categorized by facility type and are “effective  immediately” and expire under any of the following conditions: on the revised directive of the city manager, the adoption of an ordinance by the City Council, or by July 31, 2020.

Private outdoor seating expansion:

• Existing outdoor seating areas may be expanded into adjacent areas including streets and sidewalks so long as the public throughway remains open, applicable special event permits are obtained, and emergency access is uninterrupted. Only locations in downtown Williamsburg will be considered for street closures.
• New outdoor seating areas may be created to include portions of the existing parking field provided that the guidelines in Executive Order 61 can be met, and:

1. Appropriate barriers must be installed to protect patrons and comply with any applicable ABC regulations.
2. Architectural Review Board requirements for such outdoor seating shall not apply.
3. City staff shall have the discretion to determine maximum space available for conversion to outdoor seating while providing necessary parking for patrons.

Public seating areas:

• The city may create outdoor seating areas on Duke of Gloucester Street:

1. The street shall continue to be closed for use by vehicular traffic and will have limited pedestrian access from Boundary Street to Henry Street.
2. The city of Williamsburg shall install and maintain tables, chairs, and umbrellas for use by patrons regardless of point of purchase for consumer goods.
3. The seating area shall open at dawn and close at 10 pm.
4. Necessary emergency access shall be maintained for all adjacent structures.
5. Architectural Review Board requirements for such outdoor seating shall not apply.

YOU ALSO MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE STORIES:

Northam on Phase 1 reopening: At the end of the day, we want Virginians and their families to be safe

Phased plan: Here’s what you can expect from city services in Williamsburg as officials plan to ‘Move Williamsburg Forward’

Public universities on the Peninsula gear up for budget cuts, state funding during the coronavirus

Forward Williamsburg: Nearly 200 city employees tested for the coronavirus