Restaurant seeks setback variances, fence exception for outdoor dining; attorney says area already encroaches

Coastal LLC and operator Z. Ciboni asked the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals on June 11 for two front-yard setback variances and a special exception to allow a 5-foot fence to enclose an outdoor assembly/dining area at 12513 Ocean Gateway (case 26-32).

For the record, attorney Steve Cropper introduced himself and represented the applicant and the building owner. Cropper presented photographs and an annotated site plan, arguing much of the site already encroaches into the front-yard setback and that the requested fenced assembly area is a modest, safety-focused improvement needed both to protect patrons from adjacent traffic and to meet the perimeter requirements for an extended alcoholic-beverage service area.

The owner/operator told the board the area is the only viable spot for outdoor seating and estimated three to six tables depending on spacing. Board members asked about parking sufficiency, table counts, whether umbrellas were expected, sight lines for traffic, and the desired fence material and height; the applicant proposed white vinyl with an extra foot of lattice (5 feet total) and said the liquor licensing authority led toward the 5-foot height. One board member suggested a 6-foot fence for safety, which the applicant said he would accept if required.

Staff and the board discussed the location of transformers, right-of-way lines and sight-distance analysis; the applicant will submit detailed plans for the liquor board's approval and for any required permit review. The transcript ends with preparation of the record; no final roll-call tally is recorded in the provided excerpt.

Next steps: Applicant to submit final floor plan to the liquor board and any required permit documents; if the board approves, conditions on fence type and landscaping will be included in the permit record.