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The Avenues Bistro may get its patio dining, after all.
In a split 4-3 vote Tuesday evening, the Salt Lake City Council adopted an amendment to allow outdoor dining for non-conforming restaurants.
The Avenues Bistro, 564 E. 3rd Ave., opened in 2012 and included a dining patio on its west side in close proximity to neighbors, against city zoning regulations.
Last year, the city forced the closure of the patio.
The action came after neighbors complained about parking and noise issues.
But owner Kathie Chadbourne appealed the decision that eventually led to the crafting of the ordinance amendment.
Chadbourne has said that about half of her business comes from patio dining.
In a public hearing earlier this month, two dozen residents spoke in favor of outdoor dining at The Avenues Bistro. Three neighbors spoke against it.
Chadbourne must now petition the city under the amendment before opening the patio for dining.
City Councilman Stan Penfold, whose District 3 encompasses The Avenues Bistro, voted for the amendment, saying it leaves the city the option to deny specific petitions.
Also voting in favor was Councilman Luke Garrott, who said restaurants like The Avenues Bistro bolster walkable neighborhoods.
Council members Charlie Luke and James Rogers also vote in favor.
Voting against were Council members Lisa Adams, Erin Mendenhall and Kyle LaMalfa.
Adams said the restaurant creates parking problems that cannot be mitigated. LaMalfa said he was moved by neighbors who were impacted by noise from the establishment.
In other action Tuesday evening, the council adopted an ordinance that requires businesses with drive-up windows to serve bicyclists.
The ordinance also requires that newly constructed businesses — or those that are significantly remodeled — accommodate all customers when the drive through is open, regardless of the way they arrive.