NORTH MANKATO — North Mankato’s seasonal patios are here to stay. After months of debate and a packed public hearing Monday night, the City Council voted against a proposed ordinance that would have eliminated seasonal patio allowances and replaced them with stricter, permanent regulations.
The council unanimously voted no, with councilmember Sandra Oachs, who owns Spinners Bar and Grill, abstaining from the vote.
The hearing drew testimony from both business owners and residents. The proposed changes stemmed from long standing discussions dating back to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the city temporarily relaxed patio regulations to help restaurants and bars survive shutdowns. The temporary provisions expired in July 2021, but seasonal patio permissions continued with annual renewals.
In recent years, the Planning Commission revisited the issue, consulting with fire and building officials, law enforcement and city staff. Their recommendation — remove the seasonal patio option entirely and regulate only permanent outdoor dining with consistent standards. The proposed amendment included eliminating the seasonal patio provision from city code, capping outdoor areas to no more than 40% of a building’s floor area and enforcing parking and restroom requirements in line with state and international codes.
City planner Matt Lassonde said the intent was to create fair, enforceable standards.
“Permanent patios are a valuable part of North Mankato’s dining experience,” Lassonde said, “but we need consistent standards that ensure safety, sufficient parking and compatibility with surrounding uses.”
Many saw the proposed changes as overreach. Business owners argued that the seasonal patios have not caused significant problems and have become vital for revenue and community engagement. Jeni Bobholz, owner of the Circle Inn Bar, shared how the seasonal patio transformed her business and new regulations would require an extensive remodel.
“During COVID, when restaurants and drinking establishments were closed for whatever extended amount of time, depending on how big they were, the businesses that are still functioning today had to be very creative and do a lot to stay afloat,” she said, noting she’s spent over $20,000 on equipment and decor to make her patio inviting.
Multiple speakers strongly opposed these changes, highlighting increased revenue from outdoor seating, community benefits of outdoor spaces and the importance of flexible dining options.
“If it ain’t broke, why fix it?” asked Rose Veldhauisen, who praised the patios for supporting local events and drawing visitors to the community.
Resident Tom Hagen echoed the sentiment.
“I’ve traveled extensively in the world,” he said. “Evening comes and businesses put tables out, have a wonderful social event, and there’s never a problem. It seems to me that we’ve got to put a rule on everything. Deal with a problem when it appears. If you don’t have a problem, leave it alone.”
Seasonal patios will continue operating as they have, with no immediate changes to current regulations. The May 1 to Oct. 31 timeframe was kept and the council asked staff to potentially explore extending the seasonal dates in the future.
“A big thing that came out of our public hearing was community,” said Mayor Scott Carlson. “Just the ability to walk down your street or your block or bike and commune together at our local establishments.”
For more information or to view the proposed ordinance, visit www.northmankato.com.