Nevada City planners approve Golden Era deck expansion, defer paint decision

The Nevada City Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a conditional use permit and architectural review for the Golden Era, a longtime Broad Street bar, to demolish and rebuild a rear deck and create an outdoor drinking area.

Jessica Hankins, the city’s interim planner, told commissioners the proposal includes demolition and reconstruction of a roughly 400–500 square‑foot rear deck, black powder‑coated railings, a dark‑gray waterproof deck surface and a black‑with‑gold‑trim paint scheme tied to the existing sign. Staff recommended the two parking spaces the business has provided to the police department be accepted as the expansion’s parking offset, added conditions requiring compliance with the city’s noise and dark‑sky requirements, and recommended retaining barrels and agave plants as visual buffering along the lot.

The applicant said the previous pandemic patio served as an important gathering place and that the new deck would be roughly 412 square feet with interior perimeter seating and a drink ledge so patrons can view Spring Street. The applicant also brought paint chips and said they preferred a black base with gold accents but were open to alternatives.

Commissioners asked for more detail on deck underside finish, rail design and the deck face (siding) and stressed compatibility with the historic district. One commissioner recommended a board‑and‑batten or hardy siding treatment for the deck face rather than exposed T‑111 backyard siding to better match historic storefronts. Staff confirmed they had discussed the parking offset with the police chief, who supported continued use of the two spaces.

Commissioner 5 moved to find the project exempt from CEQA, approve the conditional use permit with findings a–c, assign Commissioner Thomas Nye as a liaison to review finish and trim details, and continue the architectural review solely to resolve the paint color. The motion passed on roll call with Commissioners Simmons, Nye, Hallamie, Vice Chair Compton and Chair Brown voting yes.

Next steps: the applicant may begin work on the deck subject to the conditions in the staff report and final liaison sign‑off on the architectural details; the planning commission will reconvene on the paint palette at a later hearing.