Planning commission approves outdoor seating plan for Aroma Cafe on West National Avenue

The Planning Commission approved a site-plan design review allowing outdoor seating for Aroma Cafe at 8100 West National Avenue, with conditions requiring city-engineer review and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) clearance requirements.

Planning staff described the seating area as occupying the space under the cafe’s existing canopy and noted no change to business hours. The proposed layout preserves at least six feet of pedestrian clear width on the sidewalk to maintain ADA access. If the cafe seeks to place seating beyond the canopy into the public right-of-way, staff said the business would need to apply for a grant of privilege (an encroachment agreement) that shifts liability for the encroachment to the property owner.

Commissioners moved and seconded the approval; the motion carried with a voice vote recorded as aye. The commission asked that the city engineer review the final plan to determine whether any work implicates city right-of-way and whether a grant-of-privilege is required.