Lighthouse Restaurant seeks approval for retractable patio cover; town staff ask for engineering specs

Representatives for the Lighthouse Restaurant presented a site‑plan amendment on May 6 seeking permission to install a retractable polycarbonate (Lexan) patio cover on the north side of the building at 7501 Constitution Avenue. The applicants, identified as Chris Pappas and Corey Denamore, said the cover is locally manufactured, retractable, solar‑powered and not a permanent glass structure.

Commissioners and building department staff asked detailed technical questions about setback, anchorage and wind resilience. Staff member Tim reported he inspected the footing and that a 42‑inch frost footing had been installed, but said the town had not yet received manufacturer anchoring specs or a wind‑rating report for the retractable track and anchoring system. "We don't have the specs on that yet," Tim said, noting the foundation had been inspected but the track, anchoring and motor details remain outstanding and are required for the permit.

Applicants said the system is intended for seasonal use and can be retracted in high wind events; they told the commission the system can be unbolted and removed if necessary. Commissioners stressed the open end faces the lake and asked the applicant to provide engineering documentation that demonstrates the system will meet applicable code requirements for wind and anchorage.

Because the May 6 meeting was a work session, the commission did not take formal action and directed the applicant to provide the requested engineering and manufacturer details for inclusion on the public agenda. Staff said the patio permit and the site‑plan amendment materials should be completed and returned for formal consideration at the May 20 meeting.