Planning commission approves outdoor dining at 9179 Manor Avenue with safety conditions

The Mentor Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional-use permit allowing outdoor dining at 9179 Manor Avenue (Unit A).

Applicant Sarah Hernandez told the commission she plans to use an existing patio for additional outdoor seating. "There is an existing patio there, and has been used by several other restaurants," Hernandez said, adding the seating is for paying customers who can choose to sit outside after ordering.

Planning staff recommended five conditions for the permit and said bollards are required only when an outdoor patio directly abuts a parking space; because the patio borders a low-volume service drive, staff did not consider bollards critical. Staff also advised the commission that an enclosed fence should be sized to maintain handicap access and that the applicant will return with a drawing showing how the enclosure and gate will operate.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on safety and accessibility. One commissioner asked whether an enclosure would impede the handicapped ramp; staff replied the gate could be positioned or sized to preserve access. The commission asked the applicant to submit a plan showing the full enclosure before building permits are issued.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the permit "with the five conditions" recommended in the staff report; the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

The commission’s action was procedural; staff will review the applicant’s enclosure drawing and ensure the approved conditions are met during the permitting process.