Saluda is considering text amendments to its zoning ordinance that will allow inns to operate restaurants and/or gift shops.

The city will hold a public hearing on the text amendments this Monday during city councils regular meeting at 7 p.m. at the library.

The Saluda Planning Board has recommended the text amendments for approval by city council.

The zoning ordinance amendment proposal redefines inns and bed and breakfasts separately. An inn is proposed to allow restaurants and gift shops, but prohibits a drive-through type restaurant.

A bed and breakfast is proposed to be defined as a building with fewer than 10 rental units having a live-in owner/manager. A lobby or registration area is not required. The building must have at least one bathroom per every two rental units. Units must have daily maid service. Building must have a dining area large enough to seat at least two people per rental unit. One meal per day will be included in the price of the unit. No in-room cooking will be allowed. Building may have additional entertainment areas (reading room, TV room, etc). Units will be rented to travelers on a daily basis.

The proposed new definition for an inn is: A building with a maximum of 18 rental units for the purpose of providing overnight lodging facilities to the general public, with on-site management, for compensation with or without meals, and which has common facilities for reservations, combined utilities, and on-site management and reception. The building must have at least one bathroom per every two rental units. Units must have daily maid service. Units will be rented to travelers on a daily basis. An inn may operate a restaurant and/or a gift shop, provided, however that restaurants with physical facilities specifically designed for delivery of food or drink to motorists while they are inside their vehicle at the time of delivery are prohibited.

The Saluda Inn currently has a retail wine shop, which would become conforming if the text amendments are approved Monday.