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Council defers decision on Hodges Ferry entertainment permit after parking and code concerns
Summary
City council deferred action to Aug. 26 on a use permit for C Hogan’s entertainment establishment at 1805 Hodges Ferry Road to allow staff and applicant time to address parking, ADA and code concerns and pending city code updates.
The Portsmouth City Council unanimously voted on July 8 to defer consideration of a use permit (UP2505) for an entertainment establishment proposed for 1805 Hodges Ferry Road to the Aug. 26 council meeting.
Applicant Charles Hogans, who identified himself as co-owner of the proposed restaurant and entertainment venue, told council the venue — named in his presentation as “I Crave” — would be a family-friendly restaurant offering karaoke, special events and licensed security or off-duty officers as required. Hogans said the business aims to “uplift the community” and host events such as weddings and graduations.
Speakers at the public hearing raised concerns about code compliance and site safety. Fred Porter, a resident, told council he identified multiple code issues at the existing building, including alleged nonconformance with ADA-accessible parking, parking-space dimensions and egress requirements for larger crowds. Porter urged council not to approve a use permit where code violations were known to exist.
Planning staff and city inspectors explained that older buildings are sometimes evaluated under different standards than new construction but that adding an entertainment component could trigger further permit and safety reviews. Planning Director Dr. Russell and city staff said parking and capacity questions remained unresolved; inspections staff said changes that increase attendance could require upgrades for ADA and safety.
Council members said they expect forthcoming code revisions to address parking and venue rules; Councilman Hugo said the updated code language under development would likely require a written parking agreement where off-site spaces are shared. Several council members urged the applicant to seek a written overflow-parking agreement rather than rely on verbal arrangements.
Councilman Hugo moved to defer the hearing to allow time for code updates, planning-staff review and applicant coordination with the planning department; the motion passed 7-0. The city attorney reminded council that federal ADA requirements cannot be waived.
The transcript records no final conditions or capacity limits attached to the deferral; staff indicated they would revisit the permit with the applicant once outstanding parking, capacity and safety questions are resolved and code language is finalized.
