The Woodlands Township's Development Standards Committee Approves Restaurant Guidelines

THE WOODLANDS, TX - The Woodlands Development Standards Committee (DSC) adopted new guidelines for restaurants at their meeting on September 2, 2020. In an effort to help the local economy while remaining within safe social distancing, the Committee approved an extended outdoor seating arrangement regarding outdoor dining facilities and best practices limited to sidewalks on the conditions listed below.

“The changes allow restaurants, bars and other food establishments to serve customers on expanded areas of sidewalks in the assorted shopping centers and mini-malls around the Township,” said DSC Chairman Walter Lisiewski.

DSC conditions:

• The tenants and business owners must adhere to the specified guidelines.
• A detailed design plan must be submitted to the designated Covenant Administration staff. Plan should include location, space to be used, design, any seating arrangements, barricades or amenities proposed.
• The designated staff must review the design plan and monitor the installation on site, for compliance with the guidelines and designs set forth in the program.
• The Program is valid only through COVID-19 pandemic. (The Development Standards Committee will allow the use as a temporary consideration and will evaluate use as needed during restricted access and occupancy and will provide due notice for any establishment to remove when the program is no longer in effect. The Committee will revisit the item at their DSC meeting of Jan 20, 2021.
• Business owners and management are responsible for ensuring their continued compliance with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) rules and any permitting required. Adoption by the Development Standards Committee does not constitute action by any other entity. It is the owner’s responsibility to obtain any additional permitting such as through TABC or County.
• The overall program and/or use at individual sites is revocable by the Development Standards Committee and their designated staff at any time.
• The owner must provide authority to participate in this program according to the terms of any lease or operating agreement.
• Participation in the program does not allow for any additional amplification beyond what has been previously approved for the site.
• All outdoor equipment must be maintained in good order and repair.
• Failure to comply will result in temporary suspension, may require removal or proceed with enforcement.
• The Development Standards Committee may revoke the program or a businesses use for a violation of the program or an impact or as a result of verified complaints received.
• All business must follow any social distancing or other guidelines as imposed by the State and County.
• Use of the designed space is for dining purposes only and should not be used for storage or entertainment.
• Outdoor dining spaces must refrain from advertisements or signage including advertisements or signage on the equipment or furniture proposed for the space.
• Outdoor equipment must cohesive, commercial grade, in good keeping and evaluated for approval prior to installation.
• Areas must be on an approved hard surface and not compromise existing vegetation and landscaping.

For more information or questions, or for businesses interested in participating, please contact The Woodlands Township Covenant Administration Manager Kim McKenna at 281-210-3856.