Frisco City Council voted 5-1 to update the city’s health ordinance to allow dogs on restaurant patios.

Council will vote on the final version of the ordinance change at an upcoming meeting.

Council member Will Sowell voted against the ordinance change, noting a city survey where most respondents said they did want the ordinance change.

“I don’t see any significant market demand,” Sowell said. “The residents through data have indicated they are not supportive. So, my position on this has not changed.”

Other council members said the change gives restaurant owners the freedom to decide if they want to allow dogs on the patios.

“I believe in the free market, good or bad, and I believe the free market is going to make that decision for us,” council member Scott Johnson said. “Some restaurants will naturally become dog-friendly restaurants, and some will become non-dog-friendly restaurants.”

The updated ordinance includes requirements that restaurants must meet before being able to receive a permit for a dog-friendly patio, including having non-porous services and an outside entrance to the patio.

The ordinance also requires all restaurants with the permit to have a sign indicating that dogs are allowed on the patio.

Dogs must be leashed and under an adult’s physical control at all times while on patios. The dog cannot be tethered to anything while on the patio as well.

Click here to read all of the changes to the health ordinance.