Planners to take up formula food question

The Sisters Planning Commission will get back to work on possible revisions to the way Sisters handles "formula food" establishments in a workshop Thursday evening.

At a town hall meeting last April, a small group of local citizens reinforced their view that they would like to see formula food establishments restricted in both the highway commercial and downtown commercial areas. Current restrictions apply only to the highway commercial zones at either end of town.

The citizens that spoke were also unanimous in their support of a moratorium on new business permits for formula food restaurants until new code wording can be implemented. According to city planning staff, such a moratorium is "not legally recommended."

Staff has put together a menu of possible actions. These include revising the definition of formula food establishments as having eight or more other establishments regardless of ownership or location, rather than the current three. The commission may revisit spacing standards and could consider whether to expand regulation to all zones where eating and drinking establishments are permitted.

Proponents of tighter code restrictions want to see Sisters preserve a "unique" profile in eating establishments. Others wish to see more dining optional and/or franchise opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

The workshop is likely to be little more than an appetizer; it is scheduled for just a half hour, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, at City Hall.