Prescott City commission approves Doc's Barbecue exterior updates, flags gabion wall for noncompliance

Prescott City — The Prescott City Preservation Commission voted 3–1 on April 10 to approve a package of exterior changes for Doc's Barbecue & Whiskey, including painted CMU retaining walls, ADA pavers, new smokers and standing-seam metal patio covers, while noting the installed gabion wall was not compatible with one Secretary of the Interior guideline.

Tammy Dwit, the city’s community planner, told the commission the packet included a third-party review and that the gabion (rock-filled) wall “does not meet Standard 9” of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation but does meet Standard 10 because it could be removed without impairing the building’s form. She said the proposed metal patio covers were evaluated as compatible with both standards.

Commission members pressed the applicant about the gabion wall’s origin and whether it had been part of the November 25, 2025 approval. An applicant representative said they believed the photo in the packet reflected the approved design and “we were under the assumption that this was what was being presented,” and denied an intent to go behind the board’s back. Commissioner Diane Travis said she was “disappointed that the changes to the fence and the block were made without going through the process again,” while also saying the change was not "a dealbreaker" for her.

Planning manager Alex Bramlet told the commission the city’s ordinance does not explicitly address the fencing situation, which is why staff used the Secretary of the Interior standards to guide compatibility review. Commissioners asked technical questions about the patio covers’ drainage and installation; the applicant said the covers will be two separate units, will be painted black to match the building, and that temporary canopies currently on the patio are temporary.

After discussion, Commissioner Diane Travis moved to approve HP26-00003 “as presented”; the motion was seconded and approved by a 3–1 vote. The commission did not identify the individual votes by name in the transcript but recorded the tally and outcome.

The commission noted that the gabion wall as installed was not part of the prior approval record and that the applicant will need to return if additional changes (including removal of cement barriers) are pursued. The meeting closed with a public recognition of Commissioner Mike King, who was not reappointed and is leaving the commission; the group adjourned after announcing training for incoming members ahead of the next meeting.

What’s next: Staff will review follow-up materials for fencing/barrier removals and the applicant may need to seek separate approvals if they revise the gabion wall or fencing.