Village Commission approves storefront patio, fencing and signage with conditions; delays officer elections

The Village Commission on March 11 approved several Certificates of Appropriateness and related agenda items, including a storefront modification and sidewalk patio at 958 North High Street, conditional approval of fencing at 73 Ripple Street, and signage for a new business at 851 North Shore Street. Commissioners also postponed officer elections for chair and vice chair until the next business meeting.

The most significant approvals affected downtown commercial properties. Staff recommended and the commission approved COA 2400642 for 958 North High Street to allow replacement of two storefront openings with 8-foot-by-11-foot “nano walls,” installation of a 36-inch tubular-steel handrail and a new patio extending 8 feet 1 inch from the storefront into the sidewalk area. Morgan, HPS staff, told commissioners the applicant had submitted an updated section drawing addressing reinforcement for the knee wall and header; the commission approved the application as submitted with staff review and final HPS sign-off.

Why it matters: the approvals change storefront configuration and create outdoor dining space that will alter sidewalk use and the building frontage along North High Street. Commissioners sought documentation showing how the new patio and nano walls will interface with pedestrian circulation and with the building’s structural headers before staff issues final permits.

The commission took a more contested vote on fencing at 73 Ripple Street, granting conditional approval after discussion about materials, setback and egress. An applicant representative acknowledged the fence was installed after an earlier COA had expired and said the owner believed they were complying with the prior approval. Commissioners and staff expressed safety concerns about the fence’s proximity to a secondary exit stair and about the durability of the installed tube-steel panels facing the sidewalk. Staff noted the sidewalk clear width at the location is approximately 4 feet and that both gates are about 4 feet wide.

The commission’s approval required the applicant to submit revised site drawings showing the fence setback, gate swing impacts on the sidewalk, and material changes to an HPS-approved option (wood or iron were suggested). The motion carried with one commissioner opposing; commissioners and staff also recommended the applicant consult with the building code and code enforcement to verify egress and structural compliance prior to construction permitting.

Commissioners approved signage for a new restaurant at 851 North Shore Street, allowing three window decals with conditions and asking the applicant to prioritize a larger primary name sign. Angelica Gassett, the applicant, said she does not currently have funds to hire a sign contractor and asked permission to install decals while pursuing a blade or wall sign; commissioners agreed to allow temporary decals if the design is reduced in size to meet staff guidelines and if the applicant submits revised drawings for staff review. The commission encouraged the applicant to pursue a blade or wall sign in future because it is more visible to passing traffic.

Other routine business: the commission approved a batch of staff-level approvals for minor COAs and amendments (addresses listed in the staff packet), and approved the minutes from the Feb. 11 meeting. On a separate motion commissioners agreed to continue with the current chair and vice chair arrangements until the next business meeting when a fuller membership is expected, effectively deferring formal elections.

Votes at a glance: COA 2400642 (958 North High Street): approved as submitted; staff to complete final HPS review. Fencing at 73 Ripple Street (applicant filing referenced in staff packet): approved with conditions requiring revised site drawings, specified approved materials (wood or iron preferred), and building-code review; motion carried with one opposed. Signage at 851 North Shore Street (El Carrito): approved with conditions to reduce decal sizes, change “margaritas” to “cocktails” where applicable, and submit revised drawings; applicant encouraged to pursue a blade or wall sign and to submit that design for review. Batch staff approvals and the Feb. 11 minutes: approved. Chair/vice chair election: deferred/continued to the next business meeting; motion carried.

Commissioners emphasized that some approvals are contingent on staff verification and building-code sign-off. Staff said applicants will need to submit the clarified drawings and materials lists required by the commission before issuance of final permits or Certificates of Appropriateness.