Council approves patio and pergola for Brickside 19 at 825 First St. SE with variance

The New Prague City Council approved an amendment to a conditional use permit and a variance to allow an outdoor patio and pergola for a new restaurant, to be called Brickside 19, at 825 First Street Southeast.

Planning staff said the property is unusual because it fronts on both First Street and Main Street, creating two front-yard setbacks and prompting the variance request for the pergola to be closer than the normal 30-foot highway setback. The applicant told council the existing back and side patios were underused and the new north-side patio will provide visibility on Main Street and approximately 30 seats. The patio will be fenced; plans show a 42- or 48-inch metal rail and stone-veneered pergola posts. A gas fireplace and overhead garage doors connecting the interior and patio are part of the plan.

Owner-proponent Corey Vanderhoff said the existing rear patio had limited seating and proximity to dumpsters; moving the patio forward would improve guest experience and visibility. He said the business intends to adhere to the city’s patio rules, including requiring customers to enter through the main door and confirmation by wait staff before seating on the patio. The applicant also said the existing monument sign at the site will be removed and not replaced; building-mounted signage will be used instead.

Planning staff said the Planning Commission had no objections and recommended approval. Council member discussion included landscaping and lighting; the applicant said plantings would be modest (low shrubs and narrow arborvitae where needed) and the design would be tasteful and similar to the applicant’s other location in Delano.

A motion to approve the resolution on the amendment to Conditional Use Permit C8-2024 and variance V1-2025 passed; the council voice-voted in favor and the motion carried.

The applicant indicated the expected opening is in March, subject to building and operational approvals.