Planning board approves covered-patio, ramp at 1105 Harbor Way despite split on compatibility

The Santa Barbara City Planning Board on Dec. 2 approved project design for exterior and accessibility improvements at 1105 Harbor Way — including a new entrance ramp, new handrails and a covered atrium-style patio — voting 3–2 after a lengthy discussion about materials, scale and process.

Rachel Hollander, the city land use planner for the project, told the board the item was continued from the Oct. 27 consent calendar to full board review for both project design approval and final approval. Dudley Michael, the restaurant owner/operator (the Breakwater, now operating as Gracie), described delays with permitting and said the entrance ramp was constructed before full board action because of operational and financial pressures: "I made the decision to just build the ramp, right before we opened, knowing I…