La Jolla permit review group asks Georges at the Cove to screen roof equipment during patio expansion

Restaurateur George Hauer said nobody complained about rooftop mechanical equipment related to his restaurant that has been there for decades, until he decided to expand his business. Pat Sherman

By Pat Sherman

During the Aug. 12 and 19 meetings of the Development Permit Review committee (DPR) which analyses all discretionary permits in La Jolla outside La Jolla Shores for conformance to the La Jolla Community Plan DPR members considered the proposed, rooftop expansion of Georges at the Cove restaurant on Prospect Street.

The DPR submits its recommendations to the La Jolla Community Planning Association to be ratified/approved and submitted to the citys Development Services Department.

Restaurateur George Hauer is seeking a coastal development permit to convert an unused roof area atop the building he leases at 1250 Prospect St. to accommodate a 550-square-foot bar and reception area that would complement his existing dining terrace.

Although DPR members were satisfied that the project meets existing height and parking requirements, they asked that rooftop ventilation and air conditioning equipment visible from Prospect Street be screened from public view during the process, as proposed by La Jollan Gail Forbes during the Aug. 12 meeting (Forbes first made the request during the July meeting of the La Jolla Planned District Ordinance committee, which recommended approval of Hauers plans).

Hauer said he e-mailed Forbes telling her to hold my feet to the fire.

Thats why Im here, Forbes said Aug. 12, adding that the new waiting area and larger bar space would increase safety by preventing congestion in the existing bar and on stairs up to the restaurant patio.

To relocate the existing bar, additional equipment will need to be moved further toward the roofs edge along Prospect Street.

Architect Mark Steele, who is designing the addition, said he and Hauer hope to begin construction by December or January to avoid having to request a waiver for the citys moratorium on summer construction in the coastal zone.

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La Jolla permit review group asks Georges at the Cove to screen roof equipment during patio expansion