Zoning Board Approves Live Events at Bal Theatre

The can now legally hold live events, though not as often as its owner would have liked. 

The City's seven-member Board of Zoning Adjustments voted unanimously Thursday night to approve a new permit for the Bal that allows up to four live shows per month. A proposed limit of three people on stage at a time will be lifted in the final permit, pending several minor safety improvements that Bal owner Dan Dillman must make.

The permit mandates a city review of theater operations within six months to determine whether the surrounding neighborhood and businesses are facing any adverse impacts.

“I promise you that my family and myself will continue to work hard for the community,” Dillman told the board following the vote. "I appreciate [staff] coming to the table to work with me.”

Earlier in the meeting, Dillman, represented by theater neighbor and city planning commissioner Chris Crow, (who is also a Patch contributor), surprised the board by requesting significant revisions to the proposed permit. These included lifting the limit on the number of live events allowed per month and the hours of operation; eliminating restrictions on alcohol service; and removing a ban on dancing at the theater. 

Several board members indicated they weren't happy with the last-minute requests. Board member René Mendieta said the requested changes “left me a little unprepared.”  

Mendieta said he had come into the meeting "thinking this was going to be a slam dunk approval.” Other board members said they weren't immediately prepared to accept fewer limitations on the theater's operations, but would revisit Dillman's requests at the six-month review.

Other conditions of the permit include: 

• Theater operating hours: Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On New Year's Eve, the theater can remain open until 1 a.m.
• Alcoholic drinks can be served for fundraising events only. Such events can take place twice per month. 
• Security Intelligence Specialist shall provide security for live events, and a security plan must be reviewed and approved by the .

In addition, to relieve parking problems, the city's Engineering and Transportation Department is likely to lift the 9:30 p.m. limit on parking along East 14th Street near the theater. 

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