DESTIN — Councilwoman Sandy Trammell says the city has a “parking issue,” and revisiting open deck seating at businesses such as restaurants may be a good place to start.
“We have no standard for any outdoor seating as it is,” Trammell said at a City Council meeting last week. “This isn’t going to affect anyone that’s out there now; anything that’s in existence is grandfathered in.”
As it stands, Destin’s land development code does not factor in outdoor seating decks when it determines the number of parking spaces required for a specific use, such as retail stores or restaurants. For example, full service restaurants are required to have one parking space for every 100-square feet of gross floor area.
Trammell said she would like to see the city reconsider requirements for areas of restaurants that can be closed in and used year-round.
Councilman Jim Wood added that the city has had a “required parking problem” for quite some time, and that wouldn’t change unless they come up with a solution.
While council members unanimously approved researching parking standards, local developer Claude Perry told them to use caution.
“I’m confused as to why this tinkering with what we have already gone through many, many times,” he said. “I understand the parking problem. There’s no secret that I opposed the harbor boardwalk until we solved the parking problem.”
In the existing economic climate, Perry said it’s already hard enough to attract quality tenants to Destin Harbor. If the city begins to count outdoor seating areas toward a restaurant’s parking requirement, it would remove an amenity from those trying to lease or sell space.
“I ask you to be careful when you consider this,” he said.
For now, Destin’s staff will compile a report for the council to consider at a later date.
Destin Log Staff Writer Matt Algarin can be reached at 850-654-8446 or malgarin@thedestinlog.com. Follow him on Twitter @DestinLogMatt.
