CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Review options related to regulating pedal pub operations in Naperville and provide direction to staff regarding preferred course of action
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Jennifer Louden, Deputy Director of TED
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
On November 9, 2017, the Liquor Commission voted against allowing a pedal pub operator to obtain a BYOB permit. On February 8, 2018, the Downtown Advisory Commission (DAC) voted to advise City Council that it is opposed to pedal pubs in downtown Naperville, with or without alcohol, based on limited street widths, traffic impact, and the large size and slow speed of the vehicle. Minutes from both meetings are attached.
BACKGROUND:
The City has received inquiries from multiple parties interested in operating a pedal pub within downtown Naperville. A pedal pub, also known as a tour bike or commercial quadricycle, is a four-wheeled bike that is similar in size to a large SUV. The bike can seat up to 16 passengers and a driver. It travels at a speed of approximately five miles per hour and some models have a motor to assist passengers. Pedal pubs can currently operate on City streets without alcohol as there are no local ordinances that prohibit or regulate their operations.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council can address the growing interest from pedal pub operators in one of the following three ways:
1. Take no action at this time;
2. Direct staff to prepare an ordinance creating a license for pedal pubs to regulate their operations within Naperville, including or excluding downtown; or
3. Direct staff to prepare an ordinance to prohibit the operation of pedal pubs, either within downtown Naperville and on arterial roadways throughout Naperville, or throughout the City.
No Action
Taking no action at this time would allow pedal pubs to operate unregulated in Naperville, including the downtown. Consideration of establishing regulations could be revisited at any time.
License to Regulate
Creating a license would establish a process through which pedal pubs could operate in Naperville, including or excluding downtown, in accordance with regulations established by the City. The regulations could be similar to those prescribed for pedicabs in Title 3, Chapter 15 of the Municipal Code. Should this be the preferred course of action, staff will prepare an ordinance establishing license regulations and place it on a future agenda for consideration.
Ordinance to Prohibit
Passing an ordinance to prohibit pedal pubs would alleviate the immediate concerns surrounding pedal pub operations. Attached is a sample draft ordinance that prohibits pedal pub operations in the downtown and on arterial roadways but licenses operations elsewhere in the City. Should this be the preferred course of action, staff will revise the draft ordinance and place it on a future agenda for consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Dependent upon the preferred course of action.