A bill that appears to be the darling of the session would require all cities to allow neighborhood cafés in residential zones. The original bill excluded code cities, but those cities were added in the substitute passed out of committee and House chamber. The bill was already heard in its Senate policy committee and is on the move.

HB 2252, sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker (R–Walla Walla), is a short bill. Here’s the entirety of the proposed law:

(1) A city or town must allow neighborhood cafés to be permitted in any zone allowing residential uses provided that the following conditions are met:

(a) The total gross floor area of the café must be at least 500 square feet;

(b) There are no drive-through facilities at the café;

(c) The café must offer food if alcoholic drinks are offered [already state law…]; and

(d) The café is located in an area where there is more than one means of egress for vehicle traffic.

(2) Cities and towns may not require more than two off-street parking spots per café.

(3) Hours of operation may be limited by the city or town.

(4) For the purposes of this section, "neighborhood café" means an establishment that serves a limited menu of food items and has at least 500 square feet of gross floor area.

Although a seemingly straightforward idea, it does pose real concerns beyond preemption:

• The parking restrictions that will result in heavily parked residential streets, pose safety concerns near schools, day care centers, and for pets and vulnerable roadway users;
• Alcohol sales within neighborhoods; and
• The ambiguous meaning of “a limited menu.”  

Please contact your Senators with concerns and include AWC.

Dates to remember

HB 2252 is scheduled for a vote in the Senate Local Government, Land Use, & Tribal Affairs Committee on Tuesday, February 20 at 8 am.