Central to the meeting was the extensive discussion on the newly proposed outdoor dining ordinance. This ordinance replaces the temporary “Eat Street 2020” program, which had permitted expanded outdoor dining, including alcohol service, without fees. The new ordinance, presented by Community and Economic Development Director Jen Brewington, requires businesses to apply for an interim use permit (IUP) to continue or initiate outdoor dining. This process includes a fee of $1,000 per parking space used, subject to city council approval, with businesses needing to reapply annually.

The ordinance aims to provide oversight on specific site conditions, noise management, safety, and operational hours. The commission emphasized the need for flexibility while maintaining compliance with city regulations. A point of discussion was the allocation of public parking spaces, especially due to the scarcity of parking in downtown Victoria. Brewington assured that each application would assess the number of spaces a business would require.

Questions also arose regarding businesses currently using public sidewalks for dining, such as the Vix, and whether they would be subject to the new ordinance fees and permit process. The consensus was that all businesses must comply with the updated requirements. The ordinance also touches on food truck operations, which are currently unlicensed in Victoria. The commission discussed the potential need for regulation, particularly during community events.

The timeline for outdoor dining structures was another concern. According to the ordinance, these setups must be dismantled within 250 days. Brewington clarified that businesses could apply for multiple permits if needed to maintain their outdoor dining areas. The discussions also covered the Classic Car Show Wednesdays, which operate under separate special event permits, allowing alcohol sales on public streets temporarily.

After thorough deliberation, the commission voted unanimously to approve the outdoor dining ordinance, incorporating minor edits suggested during the meeting. These changes included clarifying language for accuracy and adjusting bullet points for consistency between public and private outdoor dining regulations.

The meeting then shifted to a tax increment financing (TIF) request for the Victoria Ridge second edition. This proposed project includes a 165-unit apartment building, with 132 market-rate units and 33 affordable units, catering to households earning up to 50% of the area median income. The development is planned to feature four stories of one- and two-bedroom units along with 287 parking spaces, located south of the railroad tracks and near a future Quick Trip site.

The commission’s role in the TIF request is to ensure the project aligns with Victoria’s comprehensive plan and residential density requirements. While the final TIF plan approval lies with the city council, the commission’s advisory input is crucial. Discussions included the project’s location relative to other developments and commercial areas, as well as the city’s affordable housing targets, which the director confirmed exist but did not specify during the meeting.

In addition to these significant agenda items, the meeting welcomed two new planning commissioners, Mallerie Shower and Robert Dean. Both expressed enthusiasm for their new roles, with Shower highlighting her recent move to Victoria and Dean noting his long-standing family connection to the area.