HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Resolution 2016-13 08/23/2016RESOLUTION 2016 -13
CITY OF PETALUMA PLANNING COMMISSION
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENT WITHIN THE BOULEVARD CINEMAS
LOCATED AT 200 C STREET
APN 008 - 054 -005
FILE NO. PLUP -16 -0008
WHEREAS, Dave Corkill (applicant) and Lou Barbacoia (property owner), Boulevard Cinemas,
submitted a Conditional Use Permit application to allow beer and wine service ( "Project ") within the
existing movie theater located at 200 C Street ( "Project Site ").; and
WHEREAS, the Project Site is zoned Urban Center (T5) and Urban Core (T6) by the Central
Petaluma Specific Plan's Smart Code; and
WHEREAS, the existing movie theater is a permitted use in the T -5/T -6 zoning districts; and
WHEREAS, the application seeks approval to serve beer and wine at the theater's existing
concession stand and with potential wait staff in existing auditoriums; and
WHEREAS, the addition of beer and wine ,sales for on -site consumption does not change the
existing principal use as a theater; and
WHEREAS, food service at the theater, including some expansion to the kitchen facilities and
menu, does not meet the city's definition of a full service restaurant; and
WHEREAS, the sale of beer and wine for on -site consumption at the theater and not associated
with a full service restaurant is considered an 'Alcoholic Beverage Establishment' as defined by
Implementing Zoning Ordinance §8.020(A); and
WHEREAS, Implementing Zoning Ordinance §8.020(A) defines an 'Alcoholic Beverage
Establishment' as follows, "A commercial and non- commercial establishment wherein alcoholic
beverages are sold, served, or given away for consumption on the premises, excluding full- service
restaurants. Typical alcoholic beverage establishments include but are not limited to the following
recognized types of establishments: bars, cocktail lounges, ballrooms, dance bars, piano bars, billiard or
game parlors, bowling alleys and nightclubs. "; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the Project
on August 23, 2016 and a copy of the notice was published in the Argus Courier and mailed to residents
and occupants within 500 feet of the site, in compliance with state and local law; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
A. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
B. Based on the staff report, staff presentation, and comments received at the public hearing, the
Planning Commission makes the following findings based on substantial evidence in the record:
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016 -13 Page 1
California Environmental Quality Act
1. The Project is categorically exempt frorh the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), under
CEQA Guidelines § 15301, Existing Facilities, as the site is currently developed, the Project involves
negligible or no expansion of the existing use, and the Project site is already adequately served
by existing public services and facilities.
General Plan
2. The sale of beer and wine within the Boulevard Cinemas conforms with the intent, goals and
policies of the Petaluma 2025 General Plan in that the project will expand and diversify
Petaluma's retail base.
Implementing Zoning Ordinance
3. The Planning Commission may grant the requested Conditional Use Permit since none of the
criteria of Implementing Zoning Ordinance §8.060 pertaining to denial apply, as follows:
a. No information contained in the application or supplemental information requested from the
applicant has been found to be false in any material detail.
b. As demonstrated by the findings under Implementing Zoning Ordinance §24.030
(Conditional Use Permit) above, the Project would not be in violation or one or more
provisions of those regulations. There is also no evidence that the Project would operate in
violation of Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 8 (Alcoholic Beverage Establishment).
c. The Project concerns premises that comply with all applicable laws, including but not limited
to, the City's building, health, zoning, and fire ordinances. Moreover, there are no existing
violations of the Municipal Code (e.g., Uniform Building Code, Uniform Fire Code)
concerning the premises.
d. The Project concerns a new use to'-this location and no Conditional Use Permit has been
previously issued; therefore, this finding is not applicable.
e. As demonstrated by the findings under Implementing Zoning Ordinance §24.030
(Conditional Use Permit) above, the Project would not be inconsistent with the
considerations for granting a Conditional Use Permit.
The Project would not adversely affect the welfare of the area residents nor result in an
undue concentration in the area of Alcoholic Beverage Establishments. The project
concerns the indoor sales of beer and wine within an existing Cinema which is surrounded by
residential, retail, restaurant and office uses. The nearest residential uses are located across
C street within a mixed use building containing other alcoholic beverage establishments.
Conditions of Approval (Exhibit 1) were imposed to help protect the public health, safety
and welfare.
g. The Project's location is appropriate in that it is located in a mixed use area within downtown
Petaluma and includes a vibrant mix of commercial and residential uses. To date, the mix of
uses in Theater Square, which include restaurants, retail, and limited bar /tavern uses on the
ground floor and office and residential uses on the upper floor, has created a vibrant mixed
use neighborhood. The addition of beer and wine service in the existing theater is not seen
as an inappropriate addition to this mixed use environment. There are no churches, schools,
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016 -13 Page 2
or hospitals in the immediate vicinity. The nearest park is Walnut Park which is located
approximately one block south of the Cinema on the opposite side of the intersection of
Petaluma Boulevard South and D Street. ,
h. The current use of the project site is a theater with associated arcade games and food
service. The request to add beer and wine service is not anticipated to increase the size or
activity level of the existing facility. The existing cinema is a complimentary use within
Theater Square and compliments the character of the surrounding area.
i. Were the Planning Commission to deny this application a resolution of denial would be
adopted and would satisfy this requirement for written documentation of said denial.
j. As this resolution approves a Conditional Use Permit, a finding relating to denial is not
applicable.
k. As this resolution concerns Conditional Use Permit approval a finding relating to suspension or
revocation is not applicable.
4. All the required findings for Conditional Use Permit approval found at Implementing Zoning
Ordinance §24.030(G) (1) can be made, as follows:
a. Siting of the Building or Use: The existing use is a 43,000 square foot Cinema and is adequate
to accommodate the sale of beer and wine within the existing building. No outdoor
activities are proposed as part of this application; therefore, no adverse impact to the
outlook, light, or air would occur. To ensure no impact to the peace and quiet of the
surrounding area, special conditions r of approval have been drafted to compel the
permittee to promptly address and resolve any incidents or situations of excessive noise. The
Project excludes the display of goods and services and no signs are proposed as part of this
project.
b. Traffic Circulation and Parking: The Project would have no effect on existing circulation.
c. Compatibility of Building or Use: The Project does not propose an increase in the number of
patrons visiting the existing Movie Theater. The proposed project actually decreases the
number of available seats in the theater. The Project would offer beer and wine sales daily
between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. during standard theater hours. These hours
of operation are similar to existing neighboring businesses which consist of retail, restaurant,
and office uses. The Project would conduct all activities within the existing building;
therefore, there is no potential for dust, odors, or glare effects. Because the alcohol sales are
accessory to the existing use and conducted entirely inside the building, no adverse noise
impacts are anticipated. Additionally, special conditions of approval to further minimize the
potential for alcohol - related disturbances have been drafted to compel the permittee to
address and resolve. There are no schools, libraries, churches or hospitals in the immediate
vicinity. The nearest public playground is at Walnut Park which is located approximately a
block to the south on the opposite side of the intersection of Petaluma Boulevard South and
D Street. The Project does not involve. hazardous materials of any type or quantity that would
be hazardous to the public health or safety. Beer and wine will be sold at the concessions
counter and potential by wait staff within the existing Cinema. Draft Conditions of Approval
limit the number of drinks sold to 2 drinks per person and beer and wine will only be sold
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016 -13 Page 3
when the theater is in operation. Therefore, -no additional space will be utilized.
d. Duration of the Use: The sale of beer - and wine for on -site consumption would be a
permanent addition to the existing theater use. For reasons explained in the findings above,
there is no demonstrated need to limit the proposed hours of operation.
e. Public Convenience and Necessity: -The Project does not require a determination of public
convenience and necessity pursuant to Business and Professions Code §23958. The Project
requires a Type 41 alcoholic beverage license from the California Department of Alcoholic
Beverage Control Department (ABC). which is not subject to Business and Professions Code
§23958.
C. Based on its review of the entire record herein, including the August 23, 2016 Planning
Commission staff report, all supporting, referenced, and incorporated documents and all
comments received and foregoing findings, the Planning Commission hereby approves a
Conditional Use Permit for establishment. of an Alcoholic Beverage Establishment as part of the
existing movie theater located at the Project site, subject to the conditions of approval at Exhibit
1, attached hereto.
D. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City or any of its boards,
commissions, agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or preceding against the
City, it's boards, commissions, agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside void or annul
any of the approvals of the project, when such a claim or action is brought within the time
period provided for any applicable State and /or local statutes. The City shall promptly notify the
applicant /developers of any such claim, action or preceding. The City shall coordinate in the
defense. Nothing contained in this condition shall prohibit the City from participating in the
defense of any claim, action, or proceeding and if the City chooses to do so appellant shall
reimburse the City for attorney fees.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016 -13 Page 4
ADOPTED this 23,d day of August, 2016, by the following vote:
Commission Member
Aye
No
Absent
Abstain
Councilmember King
X
Vice Chair Benedetti- Petnic
X
Gomez
X
Chair Lin
X
Marzo
X
Pierre
X
Wolpert
X .
ATTEST:
f
Diana Gomez, -Chaff
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
H ther Hines, Commission Secretary Lisa Tennenbabm,ssistant City Attorney
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016 -13 Page 5
BOULEVARD CINEMAS
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
FILE NO. PLUP -16 -0008
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Standard Conditions:
Exhibit 1
1. Plans submitted for building permit shall' be in substantial conformance with plans date
stamped May 16, 2016 and attached hereto as Exhibit A.
2. The Permittee of this Conditional Use permit is David Corkill.
3. Operations under this permit shall be the responsibility of the Permittee personally or a
manager or designated employee of the Permittee at all times. The Permittee shall designate
the names of all such managers and designate responsible employees as prescribed by IZO
§8.074(A)(1) and shall advise the Community Development Director in writing whenever
any change is made.
4. The Permittee personally (if an individual is the permittee) or a manager or a designated
responsible employee shall be on the premises at all times during the conduct of business.
(IZO §8.074(A)(2))
5. All theater employees serving alcohol shall complete a program recognized by the
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) as a qualified Responsible Beverage
Service Program prior to the commencement of a new business or within ninety (90) days of
hire for new employees. The Permittee shall maintain on the premises a file containing the
certificates of training for all employees who serve alcohol. (IZO §8.074(A)(3) and
Municipal Code §10.68.050)
6. The use shall be operated in such a manner so that it at no time violates zoning standards
regarding noise generation. Should verifiable noise complaints be received, the Planning
Manager may require the Permittee to prepare and implement a Noise Management Plan, as
provided by IZO §8.074(A)(5).
7. The Permittee is hereby duly noticed of the. provision of Municipal Code 10.68 (Alcohol -
Related Nuisance Ordinance), including but not limited to, its provisions for the abatement of
alcohol - related nuisances and recovery of responses costs for alcohol- related nuisance
activity.
8. The Permittee is hereby duly noticed of the provision of Municipal Code 10.66 (Excessive
Disturbance CALLSAT Commercial Establishments), including but not limited to, its
provisions for the recovery of costs for responding to disturbance calls.
9. The Permittee is hereby duly noticed that this permit may be recalled to the Planning
Commission for review at any time due, to complaints regarding lack of compliance with
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016 -13 Page 6
conditions of approval, noise generation ,'. of other adverse operating characteristics as well as
for failure to comply with conditions imposed herein. At such time the Commission may
revoke the permit, suspend the permit, or add /modify conditions of approval.
10. Any change to the operation deemed by the Planning Manager to be significant, including
but not limited to a change to the hours of operation, square footage and /or level of intensity
will require an amendment to this permit.
11. This permit shall be valid only as long as all applicable Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC),
State, and Federal licenses for the service of beer and wine at the theater are also in place.
Suspension of the applicant's license by the ABC may constitute sufficient cause or basis for
review and possible revocation of a conditional use permit.
12. A security plan shall be prepared including, but not limited to, the periods of time and
staffing levels for security personnel, duties, responsibilities and qualifications of security
staff for review and approval by the Chief of Police within 14 days of this Conditional Use
Permit approval, as provided by IZO §8.074(A)(6).
13. No exterior modifications are approved as part of this approval. Any exterior modifications
require Site Plan and Architectural Review. .
14. A business license shall be obtained and remain active for the duration of the use of the site.
If more than a twelve (12) month period elapses without an active business license, the use
shall be deemed discontinued and a new Conditional Use Permit shall be required to resume
operation.
15. No signs external to the building are included in this approval. Such signs require a separate
approval of a sign permit from the Community Development Department.
16, The. Permittee shall defend, indemnify,' and hold harmless the City or any of its boards,
commissions, agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or preceding against
the City, it's boards, commissions, agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside void or
annul any of the approvals of the project, when such a claim or action is brought within the
time period provided for any applicable State and /or local statutes. The City shall promptly
notify the applicant /developers of any such claim, action or preceding. The City shall
coordinate in the defense. Nothing contained in this condition shall prohibit the City from
participating in the defense of any claim, action, or proceeding and if the City chooses to do
so appellant shall reimburse the City for attorney fees.
Special Conditions of Approval:
17. The approved Alcoholic Beverage Establishment use shall, at all times, operate within the
following parameters:
a. This permit allows for the sale of beer and wine. No other alcoholic beverages shall be
sold.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016 -13 Page 7
b. All alcohol sales shall comply with -all applicable Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
regulations. If any portion of this permit conflicts with a rule, regulation and /or permit
condition of the ABC, the provisions of this permit shall prevail and take precedence.
c. The sales and service of beer and wine shall be limited to between the hours of 12:00
p.m. —10:30 p.m. daily.
d. This permit authorizes operations under 'a Type 41 license issued by the ABC. Any
change to the terms, conditions and /or permit type of the ABC shall require an
amendment to this permit
e. All alcoholic beverages shall be served in their original container or in clear cups to allow
for easy identification and differentiation from non - alcoholic beverage containers.
f. Beer and wine sales at the concession stand shall be offered in an area clearly
differentiated from general concession sales in order to separate those patrons under 21
year of age.
g. Before purchase of an alcoholic beverage, a theater employee shall verify through
government issued identification (e.g., state - issued identification card or driver's license,
passport) that the purchaser is of legal drinking age.
h. A maximum of two alcoholic beverages may be sold per person per transaction.
i. Before alcoholic beverages are sold, a theater employee shall verify a movie ticket has
been purchased for movie viewing during or immediately after the transaction.
j. Signs shall be posted and maintained at all exits indicating that alcohol shall not be taken
off site. Prior to sign installation, the applicant shall obtain Planning Manager review and
approval.
k. Theater employees shall monitor: (1) all exits to ensure alcohol is not taken off premise;
and (2) auditoriums where alcohol is served to ensure alcohol remains with persons of
legal drinking age on a regular basis, but no less than once every 30 minutes.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016 -13 Page 8