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Wilder’s Bistro seeks minor outdoor-dining change; board signals support for safer, flush platform
Summary
Wilder’s Bistro asked the board to allow a rectangular platform that will sit more flush to the curb and a pair of retractable awnings over its outdoor dining area; planning staff and board members said the proposed change improves pedestrian safety and asked staff to handle final permitting administratively with conditions.
Wilder’s Bistro presented a pre-application request on March 26 to adjust its approved outdoor dining platform on North Old Woodward: the owner proposed changing the approved trapezoidal platform to a rectangle that would extend slightly less into the travel lane and, because of street grade, would be partially non-flush with the curb at the north end to maintain an accessible path.
Planning staff told the board that the city’s outdoor-dining ordinance generally requires platforms be flush with the curb, but that an exception exists to address accessibility (ADA) or grade transitions. The applicant explained the grade change near the north end of the platform would require the platform level to rise above the curb in that area to meet accessibility and structural needs.
Board members said the rectangular platform that extends three feet less into the roadway would be safer because it reduces the intrusion into the travel lane on a downhill segment where drivers tend to accelerate; the board suggested staff could approve the change administratively if plans address safety, furnishings and department comments. The applicant also asked about retractable awnings; the board said awnings covering tables that are set back from the curb (and that meet the city’s five-foot clear-path requirement) are acceptable and that staff should vet final dimensions and mounting details.
Why it matters: the proposal is a minor physical change to an already permitted outdoor-dining area, but it touches pedestrian circulation and street-safety considerations on a busy section of Old Woodward. The board prioritized minimizing the street intrusion and preserving an accessible pedestrian route.
Next steps: staff will apply the ordinance exemption for grade/accessibility as needed and, if the final drawings meet department conditions, issue administrative approval for the revised platform and retractable awnings.
