Iowa City’s Joe’s Place seeking rooftop patio exception

IOWA CITY — One of Iowa City's oldest bars could soon be the city's first to add a rooftop dining patio.

Joe's Place owner Brian Flynn has filed an application seeking a special exception to city code that would allow the addition of a 1,200-square-foot patio atop the single-story building.

Flynn said the last few months have been spent working with the city to flesh out the logistics of adding an elevator and rooftop patio to the more than 100-year-old building.

The project would come with a sizable cost, but Flynn said he's hopeful the popularity of outdoor dining will make it all worth while.

'At the end of the day it's just weighing all those costs,' Flynn said. 'It's not optimal, but I think the popularity of the rooftop scene downtown and being kind of on the forefront of that will be important and worth the extra money.'

Iowa City's Board of Adjustment will take up discussion on the special exception application during Wednesday's meeting. If approved, the exception allows the bar's owners to begin construction of the patio atop the single-story portion of the bar, which includes a stairway and elevator for accessibility.

Joe's Place first opened in Iowa City in 1934 and the bar relocated to its existing location in 1945. It now consists of three once-separate properties at 115, 117 and 119 Iowa Ave.

Flynn said he is also planning facade renovations and updates to some of Joe's Place's interior this summer and is hoping to complete the rooftop patio in time for the fall.

'I believe we'll be able to start immediately,' he said.

Flynn said the plan is to add the elevator to the rear of the middle portion of the bar.

The patio — which will seat up to 92 people — will be located on the center building. A bar and food service area along with restrooms will be added to the second floor.

The Iowa City Council last fall approved amendments to would allow bars to add rooftop service areas.

John Yapp, neighborhood and development services coordinator, said the amendment allows the city to take special exception applications on a case-by-case basis.

The special exception process was created amid a growing interest in rooftop dining among business owners.

'We've had some requests to allow rooftop service areas,' Yapp said. 'It seemed to be something peopled wanted to try.'

Those wishing to pursue a rooftop service area must adhere to a number of requirements geared to accessibility, safety and minimized nuisances.

For Joe's Place, 115 Iowa Ave., the rooftop patio would not be allowed to have amplified sound without a temporary use permit. Live performances would never be permitted on the patio.

Building and lighting plans for the patio must be approved by the city.

The city also requires any rooftop patio to be accessible via elevator, which is above and beyond current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

'Our recommendation was to always require it, for that accessibility,' Yapp said.

Joe's Place also will have to staff at least two employees on the patio at all times, as part of a safety management plan.