On Monday, May 20, the Blue Springs City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that will ultimately allow businesses to modify or expand their premises and seating by using adjacent outdoor areas to serve as many customers as possible under the Jackson County Recovery Plan guidelines with the approval of the Mayor and City Administrator.
This ordinance temporarily allows the Mayor and City Administrator the authority to waive, modify, or suspend business license and permit requirements without the necessity of amending the Code of Ordinances. Therefore, allowing businesses to more quickly make changes to accommodate more customers during this time.
“The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent Stay At Home order and Recovery Plan restrictions have left many of our community’s businesses in a place of financial crisis,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “This provision will allow the City to quickly approve requests for businesses to expand their outdoor footprint, so they can serve more customers while still abiding by the Jackson County Recovery Plan restrictions and safe social distancing guidelines.”
Businesses interested in expanding their outdoor footprint should call the Community Development Department at 816-228-0207 to apply. Both the Mayor and the City Administrator must jointly approve the action. Additionally, the proposed ordinance provides for the same types of waivers, modifications, and suspensions related to conducting City business, including competitive bidding requirements.
No waivers, modifications, or suspensions would be approved that would be in violation of federal or state law. The ordinance would be effective until repealed in part or in full by the Council.
Please visit our City’s website at www.bluespringsgov.com/COVID19 for all COVID-19-related updates and information. For more information about the Jackson County Order, please visit www.jacksongov.org.