Buchanan Approves Ordinance for Easier Outdoor Dining

New rules aim to support local restaurants by streamlining the process for adding sidewalk seating.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:00pm

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The city of Buchanan, Michigan has approved a new ordinance that will make it easier for local bars and restaurants to offer outdoor dining options. The ordinance replaces a more complex licensing process with a simpler permit system, allowing businesses to quickly add sidewalk seating without excessive regulatory hurdles.

Why it matters

The new ordinance is designed to support Buchanan's growing restaurant scene by removing barriers to expanding outdoor dining capacity. Outdoor seating has become increasingly popular, and this change will help local businesses adapt to evolving customer preferences and capitalize on the vibrant downtown atmosphere.

The details

Under the new ordinance, restaurants will be able to obtain a permit from the city to add outdoor seating in the public right-of-way, rather than having to go through a more involved licensing process. The permit review will ensure the seating meets ADA and liquor control requirements, but the overall process is intended to be quicker and less costly for businesses.

  • The Buchanan City Commission held a second and final reading of the ordinance this week.
  • The new permit-based system will go into effect immediately, replacing the previous licensing process.

The players

Tony McGhee

Buchanan City Manager, who said the new ordinance will create an easier process for restaurants to add outdoor seating.

Mark Weedon

Buchanan Mayor, who welcomed the change and said he has enjoyed the outdoor dining experience when traveling.

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What they’re saying

“With the significant number of new bars and restaurants we have opening in the community, there is a desire to have an outdoor service area within the public right of way. Instead of doing the traditional license or franchise agreements, like a lot of cities do that just slow things down and take extra cost, we've developed an ordinance that will allow it to be done through a permit process.”

— Tony McGhee, Buchanan City Manager

“I've found the outdoor dining experience a lot of fun when traveling.”

— Mark Weedon, Buchanan Mayor

What’s next

The new permit-based system for outdoor dining will go into effect immediately, replacing the previous licensing process.

The takeaway

By streamlining the process for adding outdoor seating, Buchanan's new ordinance aims to support the growth of its local restaurant industry and provide a more vibrant downtown experience for residents and visitors.