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Zoning board permits restaurant expansion at 198 River St.; second-floor seating allowed
Summary
The board approved an area variance (PLZBA 20250025) allowing a restaurant at 198 River Street to use its second floor for additional seating, exceeding the 2,500-square-foot limit. The approval is subject to normal building-code and safety review.
The board approved an area variance allowing a restaurant at 198 River Street to include second-floor seating that increases restaurant floor area above the 2,500-square-foot threshold (PLZBA 20250025).
Applicant architect Neil Palone and property owner representatives said the existing building — previously Carmen’s — will house a new restaurant occupying the second floor, increasing the usable restaurant area by 662 square feet beyond the 2,500-square-foot baseline in the zoning code. The proposal does not enlarge the building footprint; it reassigns existing interior space for dining.
The board confirmed the proposal will comply with building and life-safety codes as part of the permitting process. Commissioners discussed emergency egress and confirmed the applicant will provide two separate exits from the second floor and address any sprinkler requirements determined by building code. The applicant said the project team will install a compliant enclosed stair and make other code-required upgrades before receiving certificates of occupancy.
Outcome: Motion to approve the area variance passed at the meeting. The applicant must receive applicable building and fire-safety approvals before the expanded seating can open.
