Stable Reserve seeks awning and permanent patio railing; DRC asks for dimensions, lighter railing and signage limits

Cam Goodwin, owner of Stable Reserve Distillery, told the Design Review Committee he wants an awning over his storefront and a permanent railing to enclose an outdoor dining/bar area to make patio seating usable in sun and rain. “Our goal is to once we actually submit is to have a streamlined process,” Cam said, adding that the awning would help make morning-to-noon seating tolerable.

City planning staff warned the DRC that the proposed awning placement is below the building cornice and could increase the number of signs tied to the storefront beyond the ordinance’s recommended maximum; staff also requested the awning’s exact placement, valance dimensions, railing height and clearance details to determine whether the patio barrier should be reviewed as three‑foot front‑yard fencing or as a streetscape element. “If the awning is approved below the cornice in the existing band sign, the number of signs would exceed the recommended maximum of three,” staff said during the presentation.

Commissioners focused on the enclosure’s visual weight and on public‑safety containment required for outdoor alcohol service. Commissioner Mary said the proposed barrier looked “heavyhanded” and urged a lighter, rod‑iron style with thinner pickets to maintain Main Street’s shopping‑district character. Staff and commissioners also asked the applicant to verify any applicable ABC/liquor‑board requirements for outdoor service containment and to provide examples of adjacent railings and awning depths so the DRC can assess streetscape rhythm.

On practical points, the DRC asked the applicant for: awning elevation drawings showing clearance (minimum 8 ft head height), length and projection; railing dimensions and material specifications (maximum three feet if treated as front‑yard fencing); and confirmation whether the awning would be full‑width or partial and how signage on glass or awning valance would be prioritized given the three‑sign maximum. The committee indicated that a lighter railing and a full‑width awning aligned with downtown precedents would be more likely to gain administrative approval once the required dimensions and signage plan are submitted.

Next steps: staff will provide a recap of required dimensions and submittal items; the applicant was encouraged to return to the DRC with specifications and photos of neighboring awnings/railings before filing for a COA.