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Special-use request for downtown bar over 100-person capacity recommended for approval
Summary
A special-use permit to open a two-level bar in the former Wells Fargo space on College Avenue that would exceed 100-person capacity was presented to the commission; planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with no conditions after the Historic Preservation Commission approved exterior changes.
A special-use permit request to establish a bar occupying the former Wells Fargo bank building at 220 College Avenue was presented April 15. The use would be located in the Commercial Downtown (CD) zone and the downtown historic district and would have occupancy exceeding 100 people, which triggers the special-use review.
Planning staff reported that exterior changes are limited to an additional exit door for fire safety; that change already received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission. Interior changes are in plans-review and "have largely been found to be approvable," staff said. The Planning Commission recommended approval without conditions, finding the special-use criteria satisfied and the proposal compatible with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning and future land-use map.
Commissioners asked several technical questions about egress and basement use. Staff noted the ramp that had provided ATM access sits over a basement; structural constraints make removing the ramp difficult. The Fire Marshal and plans reviewers had reviewed the proposal and staff reported no outstanding issues about access or safety given required systems such as sprinklers. No public speakers registered for this item at the agenda-setting session.
The matter will return to the commission at the voting meeting for final action.
