Historic preservation commission approves permanent patio at downtown landmark

The Newberg Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a permanent, detached patio for a restaurant located on a designated landmark site after staff and the applicant explained design and fire‑safety measures.

Planner Jeremiah presented the staff report, noting the property’s landmark designation and the applicable overlay code sections. He told the commission the proposal is for a new structure in the downtown C‑3 district and must meet planning design‑review criteria for compatibility with the existing landmark (size, scale, materials and character).

Daniel, the applicant/designer, described the patio as a wood‑framed, semi‑conditioned dining space with masonry, fire‑rated walls and fire‑rated skylights. He said the design seeks to “balance the safety needs with the livability” by using masonry walls and discrete skylights while keeping the new structure as detached as possible so it can be removed in the future without harming the original building.

Commissioners asked whether the patio would function as a separate building, how restrooms and occupancy would be handled, and whether the patio would share HVAC with the restaurant. Daniel said the existing restrooms will serve the combined occupancy and that the patio will be served by spot heaters and ceiling fans rather than the main HVAC system.

One commissioner urged minimizing a parapet that appears as a false front because it would “cut off the view to the original building and the mural.” Staff and the applicant explained the parapet is a fire‑code measure required at a 0‑lot line to provide a two‑hour‑rated firewall; staff said an appeal or alternative method could be sought but that the firewall requirement is a building‑code determination.

Staff recommended the commission adopt findings under the historic overlay code (referenced as 15344 and related sections) that the new structure is compatible in size, scale and character. Commissioner Deb Burkel moved to adopt the commission resolution (HPC 2026‑0001) approving the requested historic and design review; the motion was seconded and the chair called for a vote. The motion passed (individual roll call votes were not recorded in the transcript).

Next steps described in the meeting record indicate the project will proceed to the building‑permit and plan‑examination process, where a plan examiner and building‑code officials will verify compliance with firewall and other code requirements before construction begins.