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Commission affirms DRC approval for Richmond Road restaurant exterior changes
Summary
After discussion over whether proposed elevations were "reasonably consistent" with a 2005 SUP requiring a TGI Fridays prototype, the Planning Commission voted 4–3 to adopt the Development Review Committee recommendation to allow exterior renovations at the Richmond Road site formerly occupied by TGI Fridays.
The Planning Commission voted 4–3 on Aug. 5 to approve a Development Review Committee (DRC) recommendation allowing exterior renovations at the former TGI Fridays on Richmond Road.
The DRC had reviewed conceptual elevations and recommended approval by a 3–1 vote. In the DRC report, Mr. Polster said, “On a vote of 3 to 1, the DRC recommended the planning commission that they approve the applicant's request to renovate the exterior of an existing restaurant based on the proposed conceptual plan labeled color exterior, Madeira PDF.” Commissioners debated whether the planning director’s finding of inconsistency with the original SUP could be overcome by the commission's legislative discretion.
Opponents emphasized that the original SUP included a strict architectural prototype and warned that allowing the changes could create a precedent. Supporters cited the county’s design guidelines and the commission’s authority to exercise legislative judgment. Commissioner Haldeman moved to approve the DRC decision; following a roll‑call vote the motion carried 4–3.
The action approves the DRC finding and permits the applicant to proceed subject to the standard site‑plan and elevation review steps under the planning director’s authority. The commission noted the original SUP remains in effect for future businesses at the site; the commission’s action allows the current applicant to proceed with the proposed exterior changes.
