Subject:
Title
Grills Riverside Restaurant: Request for Public Interest Determination (PID) for Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar (Grills) to allow impervious areas exceeding 30 percent of the required buffer area. (District 4).
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Fiscal Impact:
None
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management Department (NRM)
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Staff requests the Board of County Commissioners consider options for a PID as requested by Mr. Joe Penovich, on behalf of EPH320, LLC (Applicant) for Grills, 6075 N. Highway 1, Melbourne.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The Applicant's submittal (Attachment A) presents the request for a PID for the Board's consideration for Grills restaurant in Melbourne to allow impervious areas exceeding 30 percent of the required buffer area. The applicant proposes to expand outside decking on the north side of the restaurant (see Attachment A).
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted Grills' restaurant operations. Grills employs 130 persons, with the majority of the personnel in server positions. While allowed by law to operate at full capacity, Grills intentionally limits inside seating as it seems to be in the public interest to do so. Even with reduced indoor seating capacity, the applicant notes that many people are still extremely nervous to dine indoors, congregating outside waiting for outdoor seats, while indoor sections stay vacant. This is a challenge to business revenues, and affects the income potential of the employees. When weather is favorable, inside seating will be correspondingly decommissioned in favor of outdoor seating. The applicant affirmed that there shall be no increase in total number of seats unless reviewed and approved by the County.
Sec. 62-3668(3) states, "Alteration or construction other than that which is allowed under this division shall be prohibited, unless it is shown to be in the public interest and does not adversely impact water quality and natural habitat." Section 62...
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