Committee requires clearer signage for pet-friendly outdoor dining, approves ordinance changes

The Neighborhoods Committee on Jan. 5 approved amendments to a proposed ordinance that permits dogs in designated outdoor dining areas, adding language to ensure signs notifying patrons are legible and appropriately sized.

Planning Director Helena Perola told the committee that the state statute prescribes what must appear on required signage but does not set a specific sign size. Councilmember Clark Murray and others asked the committee to add minimum size or legibility language to ensure patrons — particularly families with young children — would be clearly warned that pets may use the area.

General Counsel Laura Hartung confirmed the statute (as cited during the meeting) lists required content but lacks a size requirement. Councilmembers proposed alternatives including an 8.5"x11" minimum or a no-smaller-than 8"x10" standard and suggested a minimum letter height (one suggestion was two-inch letters) to ensure visibility. Staff said the planning department could codify legibility and application requirements in the permitting process and offered to include guidance in the application materials.

The committee voted to carry the Clark Murray amendment and related clarifications; the ordinance (bill 20250866) was approved as amended by unanimous committee vote. Staff said the planning department will provide the committee with the recommended application language and sample sign specifications for rules review.