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Heritage board forwards Royal Green Acai patio-enclosure plan at 546 Magnolia to planning commission
Summary
The Larksburg Heritage Preservation Board voted 4–0 (one absence) to forward a staff recommendation to the planning commission for PLN24-054, a proposal to enclose front and rear patios at Royal Green Acai, while noting residents' concerns about exterior lighting and fire-safety reviews.
On Aug. 28 the Larksburg Heritage Preservation Board voted to forward a recommendation of approval to the city planning commission for PLN24-054, an application to enclose the front and rear patios at 546 Magnolia Avenue, the site of Royal Green Acai.
Alex, a member of planning staff, told the board the project would add seasonal fabric enclosures and a fabric roof but would not expand the building's footprint. Because the property lies within the National Register historic district the board's role was to take public testimony, discuss consistency with the district, and forward a recommendation to the planning commission, which will make the final decision. "I have received three public comments on it, but I'd say all of them in general support," Alex said, and noted a standard planning condition requires exterior lights to be down-shielded to avoid glare across property lines.
Board members asked whether the enclosures are permanent; staff answered they are fabric, easily reversible and will be treated as an alteration requiring review. Staff also explained the application underwent multiple departmental reviews and that the fire department had raised questions about the fire resistance of the proposed fabrics, which contributed to processing time.
An architect speaking for the owner said the current enclosure is lower quality and the proposed fabric is fireproof, adding that the work would "bring more appeal" and help the business operate through the rainy months. A resident at the hearing stressed potential visual impacts on nearby contributing historic structures and asked that lighting be mitigated so adjacent condominium windows are not illuminated.
After brief discussion a board member moved to approve the staff recommendation and forward it to the planning commission; the motion was seconded and passed 4–0 with one absence. Planning staff said the matter was scheduled for a planning commission hearing on Sept. 9.
The planning commission will consider staff conditions, including lighting mitigation; the commission's final decision will determine whether the enclosures may be installed and under what conditions.
