New zoning law targets indoor event venues following shootings at some establishments

by BRIAN NADIG

A new Chicago law requires some indoor event venues that host private party rentals, including weddings, to go through a zoning-related process in which traffic plans would have to be created.

This amendment to the zoning code targets smaller venues that typically don’t host public events that require attendees to pay an admission fee and thus are not required to have a public place of amusement license, whose approval process can be rigorous.

Hotels, places of religious assembly, theaters, and licensed drinking and eating establishments would be exempt from the new law, although those establishments may be required to have PPA or other licenses for their entertainment activities.

The ordinance, which was sponsored by Alderman Chris Taliaferro (29th), states that it applies to “pre-arranged” events such as weddings, banquets, fundraisers and other gatherings.

A licensed restaurant that hosts a private wedding would be exempt from the new law, but a dance hall that offers lessons during the day and private rentals at night may need a special use from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The law states that the private rentals would have to be the “primary purpose” of the establishment in order to be subject to the law.

At the July 16 meeting of the City Council Zoning Committee, Alderman Daniel La Spata (1st) said that it would cover “private places of amusement,” adding that there have been vacant storefronts where the owner repaints the interior and starts leasing the space for private events, where food and beverages can be catered in.

Taliaferro said that in his ward he had two event spaces next to other and one night attendees from different parties started shooting at each other, leading to the death of an innocent bystander.

Taliaferro said that these event venues often start out hosting baby showers and other parties that cause no problems. “(But) at some point, they always seem to turn into late-night operations that hold private events,” he said, adding in his ward barbershops have be used as rental venues.

The law gives the zoning and building departments an additional tool to regulate indoor event spaces and take enforcement action when needed, Taliaferro said.

Businesses which are required to obtain a special use under the law will have to submit a traffic study or traffic management plan which sets forth methods to mitigate potential adverse impacts on traffic flow or parking in the surrounding neighborhood. A plan of operation to address additional problems that the establishment could have on the general welfare of the area also will be required.

In addition, a plan outlining the use of private security personnel and the handling of on-site emergencies would have to be formulated.

Proof of adequate on-site parking also would have to be provided. In many instances one parking space would have to be provided for every 10 persons allowed under the capacity of the venue.

The ordinance bans the playing of recorded or live music on a patio that an indoor event venue could have.

Violators of the new law could be subject to a variety of fines, which range from $200 to $1,000.

The council approved the ordinance at its July 17 meeting.

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