Planning Commission approves variance for Taylor’s Market outdoor patio

The Sierra Madre Planning Commission on May 21 conditionally approved Variance 26‑01 to allow Taylor’s Old Fashioned Market to construct an outdoor dining patio that places the dining area at the property line at 14 East Sierra Madre Boulevard.

Assistant Planner Huang told the commission the proposed outdoor dining area would total about 1,544 square feet, include a covered patio portion of roughly 418 square feet (under the 500‑sq‑ft threshold that would trigger a separate design review permit), reduce on‑site parking by about five spaces while adding one van‑accessible stall, include a 7‑foot elevated extension from an existing ramp and an ADA platform lift, and propose an occupancy of 147 people. Huang also noted the project qualifies for a Class 1 CEQA exemption under section 15301(e)(1), because the addition is less than 2,500 square feet, and recommended adoption of Planning Commission Resolution 26‑01 to conditionally approve the variance.

Why it matters: The variance changes how a high‑visibility downtown corner will interface with the sidewalk and street. Commissioners balanced the policy question of allowing a 0‑foot front setback (consistent with the existing downtown storefront pattern) against design and public‑space impacts such as landscaping and pedestrian clearance.

During deliberations commissioners voiced no objection to the variance itself but pressed for a stronger design response for the corner. One commissioner said the 0‑foot setback “makes all the sense in the world” for the downtown character, while another — speaking from an architect’s perspective — said the corner “would be nicer” with more considered materials and detailing. Vice Chair Simcock raised a specific landscaping concern, noting the proposed 2‑foot planter with ficus trees is likely to overhang the sidewalk and suggested increasing the planter width or choosing alternate plantings.

Corey Taylor, representing Taylor’s Old Fashioned Market, told the commission the family business — in Sierra Madre for more than 60 years — is committed to maintaining the patio and keeping plantings trimmed so they will not overreach onto public property. “We committed to operating the patio respectfully, safely, and in a way that benefits both our customers and the city,” Taylor said.

The commission moved and approved the variance by voice vote; commissioners present recorded “Aye” and the chair stated the motion carried. There was a brief procedural mix‑up about the timing of a second but the action was completed on the record.

The commission asked staff to research the municipal code history behind the current 5‑foot front setback requirement (staff said the code was amended in or around 2023 and will report back) and to circulate that information with next steps. Staff also noted that, because the covered portion of the patio is below 500 square feet, the project does not require a separate design review permit under the municipal code but commissioners were free to offer design guidance during deliberation.

The planning commission’s approval is a discretionary action conditioned on findings that the variance does not grant a special privilege, is accessory to an existing commercial use, and is consistent with relevant General Plan objectives. The applicant may be required to comply with conditions of approval recorded in Planning Commission Resolution 26‑01.

Next steps: The applicant will coordinate with staff on final permit requirements and any conditions in the resolution; staff will return to the commission with additional clarifications on the 5‑foot setback code history.