HPC12-21, 928 Canton St., Pastis Restaurant & Bar, Carla Dent, Land Lot: 413
Item Summary:
Applicant is requesting approval for the use of planter barriers for outdoor cafe.
Staff Report:
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends denial of the black metal flower pots and stands. Staff recommends approval of a planter box sidewalk café barrier, which forms a continuous barrier, with final design to be determined by Staff.
Issue
The applicant is proposing to change their outdoor dining barrier from a post a chain system to a configuration of planter boxes and flower pots. The proposed wood planter boxes are approximately 12" deep, 36" high, and 36" wide and painted white. The proposed flower pots are black metal which measure approximately 33" high by 10" wide.
History
The structure located at 928 Canton Street was constructed in 1945 according to the Fulton County Tax Digest and is classified as "Historic" on the Historic Properties Map. Pastis currently occupies the one-story brick, mid-century modern building which originally housed the "Roswell Motor Company."
In 1994, the HPC approved the construction of the deck on the south side of the building (HPC94-22). On May 12, 2010, the HPC granted approval of garage doors; however, the work was never completed and the 2010 approval has expired (HPC 10-13). In 2011, the HPC approved the addition of an awning along the Canton Street façade of the building to cover the outdoor sidewalk café (HPC 11-05) (never built). The HPC recently re-approved the garage doors, as well as entrance doors, for the front of 928 Canton Street (HPC12-13).
On April 20, 2012, Mayor and Council approved an extension of Pastis current outdoor dining plan, allowing them to fill in the three southernmost spaces in front of 928 Canton Street, leaving two full parking spaces along the western side of Canton Street (SC12-02). This extension of their sidewalk café area, will allow for larger sidewalk café barriers.
Analysis
As a part of the Sidewalk Café program, the Historic Preservation Commission pre-approved certain materials for use. The following description outlines the HPC's pre-approved sidewalk barriers (figure 1):
The pre-approved sidewalk barrier should be of simple post and chain construction. The post height should be between 33"-36" above sidewalk surface and all posts shall have a top cap. Posts should be placed no farther than 4' apart and the chain drape between posts should be no less than 6" below the tops of posts. Each post shall be removable, inserted into recessed sockets set flush with the sidewalk.
Pre-approved Material: Plastic, PVC or Metal
Pre-approved Colors: Black or Non-Shiny, Non-Reflective Metallic Finish
Figure 1: Current pre-approved sidewalk café barrier.
State law and Chapter 3 of the Roswell Code of Ordinance states that any area outside of the licensed premises used for serving alcoholic beverages be defined by permanent or temporary fencing or other acceptable method. Therefore, the HPC and the applicant must ensure that there is a continuous barrier. Only one opening is allowed for entering and exiting.
Staff does not object to the use of planter boxes as barriers, but feels the proposed black metal flower pots and stands are not appropriate for this use. The pots/stands appear to be top heavy, creating the opportunity for them to easily tip-over. They also appear very residential. The use of two drastically different materials creates a cluttered look which takes away from the aesthetics of the historic district. Staff feels that simply pushing the planter boxes closer together will create a continuous barrier, eliminating the need for the pots.
While Staff supports the use of planter boxes for outdoor dining barriers, Staff feels there is an alternative design that is more appropriate as the proposed planters are not proportional and lacking in design. Staff suggests a planter box such as those shown below in figure 2 and 3.
Figure 2 & 3: Staff recommended planter box for sidewalk café barrier.
Department Comments
There are no comments at this time.
Materials
Aerial
Photographs of proposed barriers (2)
Site Plan
Current Elevation Photograph
Sidewalk Café License Information
Presented by:
Courtney Lankford, Planner II