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Planning commission approves conditioned outdoor seating for Spruce and Ash on Grand River
Summary
The Farmington Planning Commission approved a site plan allowing outdoor seating at Spruce and Ash, 33043 Grand River Avenue, subject to insurance review, a license agreement for use of adjacent licensed area/public right-of-way, and confirmation of required spacing and accessibility dimensions.
The Farmington Planning Commission voted to approve a site plan allowing an outdoor seating area for Spruce and Ash at 33043 Grand River Avenue, with conditions including staff review of insurance, execution of a license agreement for use of the adjacent licensed area or public right-of-way, and confirmation that required spacing and barrier-free dimensions are met.
Staff explained that outdoor seating in the Central Business District requires review by the Downtown Development Authority design committee and approval by the planning commission; the DDA design committee had recommended approval at its April 3 meeting. A representative of the applicant, Good Food Farmington LLC, described a modular fence and planter system, umbrellas and a layout with nine tables.
Commissioners pressed for a dimensioned plan showing clearances. “According to note 2 number 4, the outdoor seating should be located in a manner to maintain a minimum pathway of 5 feet to clear structures along the sidewalk,” Commissioner Crutcher said, noting barrier-free access and turning-radius concerns for wheelchairs. Staff and the applicant estimated the adjacent walkway and paver area to be roughly 8–11 feet wide and said the table layouts should leave at least 4 feet at the narrowest point and up to 7 feet for table pushback; commissioners required confirmation of exact dimensions as a condition of approval.
The motion approved the plans subject to: review and approval of insurance by city staff; completion of an appropriate agreement that licenses the outdoor seating use in the licensed area/right-of-way (the commission discussed that the shopping center owner and tenant will have related agreements); and confirmation by the city that spacing and accessibility requirements in the zoning ordinance are met. The commission recorded the motion as passing.
An applicant representative said the outdoor seating is expected to open in about two weeks, contingent on any final building‑department approvals. The applicant also told commissioners that, given the size of the facility and restroom capacity, total indoor occupancy could reach about 80 pending final approvals.
The commission’s approval follows staff review and the DDA design committee recommendation; final occupancy and use remain contingent on completion of the listed conditions.
