Planning board approves outdoor dining platform at 135 Pierce, converting one parking space

On June 24, 2026, the Birmingham City Planning Board unanimously approved a final site plan and design review for outdoor dining at 135 Pierce that will locate a raised dining platform in one on‑street parking space.

Lauren Millia, planning and sustainability intern, summarized the application and noted the applicant supplied the materials requested by staff and provided written consent from both the property owner, Pierce Birmingham Place LLC, and the tenant. Millia described the platform layout as two large tables inside the deck and two smaller tables outside, with planters and a trash receptacle and fencing around the platform.

Board members discussed the parking impact; staff and members noted the typical parallel parking length (about 20–24 feet) and that a planter currently in the space could reduce usable length somewhat. The applicant clarified operations would not change the service model: customers would buy food and then sit outside; the tenant confirmed they would be responsible for cleaning the platform. “We clean it,” the applicant said.

The board approved the final site plan subject to conditions requiring the applicant to submit detailed materials, complete specifications for overhead/weather protection and heating elements, provide precise site dimensions on the plan, and comply with all city department requests. The approval was recorded as unanimous.

The outdoor dining permit is annual and subject to revocation if the city receives substantiated complaints or the permit terms are not met. The board noted past experience with a similar deck in the same location produced no reported incidents, but said complaints or safety issues could affect future approvals.