The Outermost Inn in Aquinnah received approval from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission Thursday to erect a large metal canopy for an expanded patio.

Inn owner Hugh Taylor sought the canopy to replace an existing fabric awning that had to be taken down on windy days. With the commission’s approval, Mr. Taylor can now bring the project to the town. He’s scheduled to go before the Aquinnah planning board on Tuesday.

The commission also granted the business retroactive permission for several additions and changes that have been made at the hotel and restaurant in the 30 years since it first went before the commission. The changes had not been previously brought to the Island-wide planning group.

The commission’s sign off Thursday officially increases the inn’s seating capacity, addition of bar service and several other small expansions.

Some commission members worried about retroactively approving changes, feeling it could set a bad precedent.

“Has the MVC allowed for such a broad set of rearward looking modifications?,” said commissioner Peter Wharton. “If not, are we setting precedent by which another applicant could expect equal treatment in the future?”

Other members felt that each application is taken on a case-by-case basis, and there have been no complaints during the latest hearing process.

“Something that goes on, on the cliffs on Chappaquiddick is different than on the cliffs at Gay Head,” said Trip Barnes, another commission member. “It’s a huge benefit to have that restaurant for the Gay Headers.”

As part of the commission’s approval, Mr. Taylor will have to submit a drainage plan and lighting plan. He also won’t be able to have live music after 10 p.m. or any alcohol served after 11 p.m. Eight guest rooms at the inn must also be used for employee housing.

Mr. Taylor was grateful for the commission’s work to bring him in line with the law.

“Thank you all for all your diligence and for letting us become compliant,” he said. “It’s been an effort that I’ve been concerned about for a long, long time.”

The commission also continued to work with Stillpoint, a proposed event space in West Tisbury. Both Stillpoint and the commission went back and forth on potential conditions for the organization. No decisions were made, but the commission went over potential limits on traffic and lighting, as well as event size and frequency.

The commission’s public hearing for the project was closed Thursday after neighbors voiced concerns about additional traffic in the residential area. The written record will remain open as the project makes its way through the commission’s land use planning committee.