In April, we reported that Copper Canyon Grill had sought approval for a 1,012-square-foot covered dining pier situated on the RIO Lake. Following the submission of the final site plan in July, the planning commission unanimously approved it at its recent meeting. Renderings illustrating the pier’s design can be found below.
Access to the outdoor dining area/pier will be facilitated by two gangways attached to the existing boardwalk. Extending 10 feet and 2 inches from the boardwalk, the new structure will stand 12 feet tall from the finished floor. Gaithersburg Planning Staff is in favor of the proposal for a dining pier in the Rio Washingtonian Lake, deeming it compliant with the approved sketch plan and Schematic Development Plan SDP-9462-2023. According to them, “The dining pier will provide additional outdoor seating for Copper Canyon and will enhance the use of the lake. There remains adequate parking for the proposed commercial addition, and all applicable development standards have been met.”
As outlined in the application, the pier section above the waterline and below the floor level will be clad with cedar wood planks. The structural columns and roof will be constructed of wood, with wood vertical slats installed above the roof beam and below the roof on the west and east elevations. The roof will feature architectural asphalt shingles with prefinished metal fascia to match the existing restaurant building. A 3 feet and 4 inches steel railing system will be present on all four sides, and the proposed pier will not include any screens or permanent walls.
Featured Image courtesy of Copper Canyon Grill
