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Board approves parking variance but continues patio design review for High Street bar
Summary
The board granted a variance to reduce required parking from 27 to 23 spaces for a proposed 648‑sq‑ft patio but continued the design review so the applicant can provide stronger screening for portable restrooms and submit mesh material samples.
The University District Review Board voted June 27 to grant a parking variance and to continue the design review of a proposed expanded rear patio that would add roughly 648 square feet, a powder‑coated steel fence with privacy mesh, string lighting and two portable restrooms.
Staff recommended support for the parking variance, noting that the use and nearby parking availability justify reducing the minimum from 27 to 23 spaces. "Staff is supportive of the reflected parking variance due to the nature of the use as well as the availability of parking nearby and access to transit," Stephanie said.
Board members focused much of the discussion on the proposed black mesh screening and how to screen the portable restrooms from the alley. Several members said the mesh product shown in the submission looked inexpensive and urged either a more durable screening material, added vegetative screening, or design revisions to fully screen the restrooms. The board voted to approve the parking variance (motion by Miss Gunzelman; carried unanimously) and then voted to continue the rest of the application so the applicant can return with a revised site plan showing improved screening and a sample of the proposed mesh.
The applicant said the expanded patio occupies a footprint previously used during the pandemic temporary dining program and that the operator prefers a durable fence solution that will not need frequent replacement. The board directed the applicant to consult with building and zoning services about whether taller screening solutions would require a separate variance and to provide material samples for staff review.
Next steps: variance approved; applicant to submit revised screening details and material samples to staff. Design review will resume once the board and staff have had an opportunity to evaluate the revised materials and whether an additional variance is required.
