Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Brickyard 1787 Union Patio topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves Brickyard—s elevated patio with conditions after neighbors raise noise and safety concerns
Summary
After weeks of neighborhood dispute, the commission approved an elevated front patio at the Brickyard (1787 Union Street) with unanimous conditions requiring a community liaison number, a dining-only restriction, a 10 p.m. patio curfew and other operational limits to reduce noise and safety risks.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve an outdoor activity area (raised front patio) at the Brickyard, 1787 Union Street, after hearing extensive public testimony from neighbors, business owners and public-safety advocates.
Planning staff presented the project as a permitted outdoor activity area subject to discretionary review because of neighborhood objections. Staff recommended approval with conditions designed to limit noise, preserve public safety and provide neighbor recourse. Mary Woods, the department presenter, summarized required conditions including limits on patio hours, occupancy and operational rules.
Opponents testified that the previously enclosed sunroom was removed without adequate mitigation and that the new raised, open patio funnels amplified sound onto nearby residences. Neighbors documented repeated incidents during high-attendance events and argued a full CEQA review was warranted for the change from an enclosed to an open patio.
Sponsor Darren Madden and partners said the venue—s food-focused model differs from a beer garden; they presented decibel readings and said bifold doors and other operational measures kept sound within limits when closed. They emphasized the economic contribution and job creation from the renovated restaurant.
To address concerns, the commission adopted staff-recommended and sponsor-proposed conditions: the patio is limited to dining use (no standing/drinking-only occupancy), the sponsor will provide a community liaison mobile phone number to neighbors for immediate complaints, patio hours end at 10:00 p.m., occupancy is capped (as stated in permit), and the sponsor must implement specified acoustic and screening measures and follow up with the department if conditions are not met. Commissioners also requested a staff report after a monitoring period to ensure compliance.
The commission—s unanimous vote approves the patio while tying the approval to enforceable operational conditions aimed at balancing neighborhood livability with commercial vitality.
