31C - MODIFICATIONS TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DOLCE GROUP

Home Browse Search

Amend CUP No. 2008-35 August 23, 2010 Page 3 In addition to the conditional use permit modification, the applicant will be obtaining a dance permit from the Chief of Police. In order to allow dancing at an establishment similar to the Geisha House restaurant, Chapter 11 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code requires the restaurant to remain a bona fide eating establishment, maintain a minimum of 50 seats, provide a minimum of 300 square feet of dance area and not provide a cover charge for admittance. The applicant's intent and proposal meets these minimum requirements. The Geisha House restaurant offers patrons a variety of dining options, which include bar and lounge seating, indoor and outdoor dining and reservation rooms. The two reservation rooms are located on the first and second floors of the restaurant and are available for group dining. The reservation rooms are both under 160 square feet and are partially enclosed. The second floor reservation room is enclosed by glass doors and walls. A total of 53 tables, 16 booths and 8 lounge sofas are distributed throughout the first floor and open patio of the restaurant. Additional seating includes 15 tables on the restaurant's second story. The request to allow dancing would affect only the first floor of the restaurant and occur within the interior of the restaurant space in the area that currently provides non-fixed tables and chairs. Fixed patron booths are located along the perimeter of the interior. The second floor would remain unchanged. An area for a DJ, approved in the existing conditional use permit, is located on the second floor overlooking the first floor. The area of 2773 North Main Street is located within reporting district No. 181, which ranks 100 out of 102 citywide districts in total number of police-related incidents. To ensure the business operates as a bona fide eating establishment, as well as minimize the potential impacts associated with alcoholic beverage sales at the proposed restaurant location, the Police Department is recommending conditional approval of the project. These proposed conditions are intended to mitigate any problems that may negatively affect the adjacent neighborhood and surrounding area. Lastly, the site has a General Plan land use designation of District Center (DC). The District Center designation emphasizes the use of this area as an anchor for commercial development and as a commercial corridor. The continued operation of an upscale sit down restaurant with dancing in this area helps to achieve this goal. Additionally, this site is located on a major arterial street and the subject property's proximity near the Interstate 5 freeway promotes the City of Santa Ana as a regional destination. Based upon analysis of the project and its compatibility with the City's General Plan and applicable development standards, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve modifications to Conditional Use Permit No. 2008-35 as conditioned. 31 C-5