Snap Taco to pursue Birmingham bistro permit

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham restaurant Snap Taco, located at 126 S. Old Woodward, was given the green light by the city commission during the Monday, February 9, meeting to pursue a bistro license in accordance with the city’s bistro ordinance.

Snap Taco originally came before the commission in November during the initial bistro screening process, said planning director Nick Dupuis. A decision on Snap Taco’s request was postponed so they could review and improve their application.

At the November meeting, commissioners had trouble envisioning Snap Taco’s proposed plans for outdoor dining working out. Outdoor dining is a requirement for all bistros under the city’s bistro ordinance. The restaurant returned to the commission on Monday with three new potential designs for an outdoor dining area, which Dupuis noted in the agenda packet memorandum, all meet the zoning ordinance.

Commissioners pointed out that the proposed option A would not be approved right off the bat as it took away parking spaces. Multiple commissioners also pointed out that they were not fond of option C, demolishing the front area of the building to create an outdoor table, would be a last resort.

Commissioner Andrew Haig explained concerns he had about option B causing potential safety issues for people getting to and from their cars on the parking spots in front of the business along S. Old Woodward. The proposed design showed no space for drivers and passengers to get from the cars to the sidewalk without having to walk on S. Old Woodward.

While there were issues pointed out with the proposed designs, the commission was tasked with deciding if Snap Taco should be allowed to pursue a bistro license. Part of that process includes the restaurant going before the planning board to review their plans before coming back to the commission for final approval.

Ultimately, the commission voted 7-0 to permit Snap Taco to pursue a bistro license. Dupuis explained the restaurant will now work with the city’s planning department to incorporate the commission’s feedback into their proposed design, then head to the planning board for review.