‘Permanent’ mobile kitchen gets approval

The Duluth City Council recently approved a special use permit to operate a mobile kitchen as part of a new restaurant concept at 3137 Main St. Truck and Tap Duluth will be a similar business to one the company operates in Woodstock offering food and craft beer with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The business meets zoning requirements for the city’s Central Business District and is compatible with the Unified Code. Approval of the request requires Truck and Tap to meet all established standards for mobile kitchens and be integrated with a bar, brewpub, or restaurant that meets city, county and state requirements.

During the public hearing on the matter, the Duluth council members asked about how the business handles inclement weather. The applicant, Mitch Jaffee, explained that current operations anticipate using patio heater and mister systems, but the patio becomes more of a transition area the 20 percent of the time when the weather is less than ideal. The plan includes indoor seating capacity for 120, with outdoor seating for between 70 and 80 patrons.

Family day care home OK’d in subdivision

Following a public hearing, the Duluth City Council voted recently to approve a family day care home on .51 acres at 2644 Peachtree Place. The special use permit will allow the business within the Peachtree Walk subdivision.

The day care owner and operator Tanya Smith provided photos showing the property including fencing for an outdoor play area. Smith has been operating in this location under a tax certificate since March, 2000 and was not informed of the need to apply for a special use permit. In August, Smith began the process to request assistance with compliance.

The city’s Unified Development Code allows a private residence to operate a daycare facility for up to six children, including the operator’s own pre-school age children.