As I pointed out in one of my entries on the noise ordinance, some restaurants may have trouble switching to the cocktail use to get the higher decibel limit because they will have to bring themselves up to code requirements for a cocktail use. Shady Grove is an example. Here is its application for a variance from the parking requirements for cocktail lounges. Kedron Touvell twitters that the application goes to the Board of Adjustment on Monday.
Obtaining a variance is no mere formality. The applicant is supposed to meet stringent standards -- including unique hardship -- which the Board of Adjustment must enforce to avoid waiver arguments in other cases. The BOA is subject to political pressure like any other institution, though, so my guess is it will grant the waiver.
There is much more on the permitting process and obstacles at the Austin City Permits blog.
