Da Capo's Outdoor Seating Modifications Approved

Da Capo Ristorante Italiano already has Planning and Zoning Commission approval for outdoor dining, but on Sept. 27, the commission approved a resubmitted plan for less outdoor seating and other modifications.

The initial plan, approved in April, allowed the Italian restaurant in Old Avon Village to have 64 outdoor seats and 124 inside. The commission approved the requested 52 outdoor seats.

"The reduction of the seating at the exterior of the building is a result of [a] screen fence not being shown correctly on the site plan, which results in the concrete paver patio are not being a large as originally planned, thus a reduction in the seating area," according to the application modification request presented to the commission on Tuesday.

The outdoor patio is already constructed, said project architect Michael Boe, who owns Boe Studio in Torrington, but da Capo is awaiting a liquor permit from the Connecticut Liquor Control Commisison before the patio can be utilized. Da Capo has received its certificate of occupancy from the Avon Building Department, he said.

Winter is months away, and Boe said that the hope is to "open [the patio] while we still have warm weather." However, he said that he does not know when the state will send the restaurant its liquor permit for the outdoor dining area. There is no estimated date at this point for when the patio will be available for restaurant patrons.

Although da Capo asked for 139 indoor seats for the winter season and 131 for the spring, the commission approved a flat 132 for every season, according to Avon Planning and Community Development staff members. That is still an increase over the 124 previously approved. The additional indoor seating is a result of table replacements that allow room for more seating because of the different table dimensions.

Avon Fire Marshal James DiPace also recommended the modifications to meet the fire code, as the outdoor dining area is only accessible from inside the restaurant.

In total, the newly approved plan gives da Capo clearance for 188 seats total for indoor and outdoor dining combined.

Da Capo's application modification request is uploaded to this article.