Temple Texas Package Stores

TEMPLE TEXAS PACKAGE STORES

On November 5, 2009, the City of Temple Texas Council voted to allow package stores to sell wine, beer and spirits for off-premise consumption that Temple citizens overwhelmingly wanted, and voted in at an election, the retail sale of take-out liquor from package stores, and remove the requirement that some establishments selling alcoholic beverages must operate as private clubs, and mixed drink sales in restaurants. Maintaining private club status costs an establishment between $3,000 and $20,000 per year. Estimates are, the city could gain 264 jobs, see about a $28 million economic development and reap $500,000 in local sales tax revenue. Temple last changed how it buys and consumes liquor in 2002.

The City of Temple Zoning Ordinance requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for certain uses that are not allowed by right. Part of the CUP process requires a site plan. Package stores are limited to the following zoning districts: general retail, central area, commercial, light industrial, heavy industrial. Package stores are not allowed in any other zoning district.

The site plan that accompanies a CUP application for a Package Store must comply with the following standards:

• Chapter 4, "Alcoholic Beverages" of the City Code.
• Outdoor lighting must comply with the standards in Section 7-566(G) of the Zoning Ordinance.
• Pick-Up windows, if used, must be visible from the street, and may not be placed in alleys.
• The drive-through lane, if used, must provide a minimum of 60 feet of stacking space from the pick-up window.
• An escape lane must be provided parallel to the drive-through lane.
• Parking (in any district including Central Area - Downtown) must be provided on-site, not less than one space for each 250 square feet of retail space.
• Window signs are prohibited.
• Lighted signs must be turned off at closing time.

The following actions should take place prior to commencing any outdoor sales on your property:

• Check the zoning and subdivision status of the property.
• Obtain a CUP application from the City's website or from the Planning & Zoning Department.
• Submit CUP application, fee, site plan and supporting documentation.
• Staff review the submittal and makes recommendation to Planning & Zoning Commission.
• Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing and makes a recommendation for approval or disapproval.
• City Council holds two public hearings and makes a final decision.
• The applicant may simultaneously begin the application process for a liquor license with the Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission.

Additional Standards enforced on Package Store Development Projects:

• Area Regulations (Section 8-100 (2)
• Landscaping (Section 8-910)
• Sidewalks (Section 8-920)
• Height (Section 9-100)
• Off-Street Parking (Section 9-100)
• Signs (Section 12-100)
• Fences, Walls, Masonry (Section 13-100)

And finally, if the CUP is approved, the applicant must also apply for a City of Temple Liquor License in the City Secretary's Office.