Orinda planning commission approves Payman Building revisions but declines digital kiosk signage

The Orinda Planning Commission voted July 22 to approve a revised design review, exception permit, master sign program and an elevated-deck permit for the Payman Building at 31 Bridal Way, permitting a three‑story addition, rooftop deck and new signage with conditions — but did not approve the applicant’s proposed digital freestanding kiosk sign.

The commission’s action authorizes design review DRA‑2025‑009, exception permit EXC‑2025‑009, master sign program SIP‑2025‑003 and elevated deck permit EDP‑2025‑012, subject to the conditions outlined by planning staff. The commission approved the package with three votes in favor and one abstention; Commissioner Marola recused herself from the final vote.

Staff said the project is a revision to an earlier 2023 approval and includes a two‑ to three‑story mixed‑use building on a 43,239‑square‑foot lot in downtown Orinda, with restaurant spaces at ground level, a coffee shop, office suites above and a rooftop area noticed at a maximum of 1,874 square feet. Darren, the city planner who presented the item, told the commission the application requests increases to previously approved encroachments into the minimum side yard setbacks, an increase in height above the downtown commercial 35‑foot limit, a larger projecting sign than the code’s 5‑square‑foot maximum, and a freestanding illuminated kiosk sign the applicant proposed at 8 feet tall, which exceeds the municipal 6‑foot height limit.

Why it matters: the project will alter the downtown streetscape near Village Square and San Pablo Creek, increasing building mass and adding new public‑facing outdoor dining and event space. Staff’s recommended…