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Commission tables patio enclosure amendment at 9179 Mentor Ave.; applicant asked to provide alternative design
Summary
Sarah Hernandez asked the commission to accept planters and trash receptacles as a barrier to enclose a long-standing patio at 9179 Mentor Ave.; the commission tabled the request and asked for a concrete alternative design and documentation before further consideration.
The Mentor City Planning Commission on May 21 tabled a request to amend a conditional-use permit for an existing patio at 9179 Mentor Avenue after the applicant and commissioners agreed the proposal lacked a concrete, evaluable alternative to a fully enclosed fence.
Applicant Sarah Hernandez said the patio has been used for about 25 years and that her research showed an original approval in 2001. She told the commission she will not serve alcohol at the location because public restrooms are not available and cited Ohio Liquor Control requirements that the lack of restrooms affects liquor-service authorization.
Kathy from administration confirmed there was a prior CUP in 2001 for the property and said staff had not yet reviewed any alternative-plan drawings for the planter-and-receptacle barrier Hernandez proposed. Commissioners said they were sympathetic to preserving a long-standing patio but emphasized they needed a specific plan and materials to evaluate safety, circulation and code compliance.
Commissioner Varga moved to table the request until the applicant submitted designs and documentation; the motion carried by roll call. The commission directed staff to work with the applicant and the city’s landscape architect on an alternative enclosure that can be evaluated at a future meeting.
Next steps: applicant to provide a drawn proposal for planters/landscape barriers and any pertinent documentation so staff can assess whether the alternative meets code and public‑safety expectations. The item will return to the commission after staff review.
