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CUP Nos. 2015 -02 & 2015 -03 <br />February 23, 2015 <br />Page 5 <br />The proposed use will not adversely affect the economic stability of the area, but will instead <br />allow the restaurant to compete with other nearby restaurants in Downtown and citywide that <br />also offer a full selection of alcoholic beverages for sale to their guests and other visitors. <br />Moreover, the offering of alcoholic beverages will allow Eqeko, a small business, to remain <br />economically viable and contributes to the overall success of the Downtown Santa Ana <br />commercial district, helping to decrease the number of vacant spaces that may affect the <br />economic viability of the area. <br />The proposed project will be in compliance with all applicable regulations and conditions <br />imposed on a restaurant selling beer and wine pursuant to Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana <br />Municipal Code. The facility will be maintained as -a full- service, bona -fide eating establishment, <br />having suitable kitchen facilities and supplying an assortment of foods commonly ordered at <br />various hours of the day. Additionally, the restaurant will utilize 2.2 percent of the gross floor <br />area for the display and storage of alcoholic beverages, which is below the maximum threshold <br />established by the Santa Ana Municipal Code. <br />The proposed use will not adversely affect the General Plan. The granting of this conditional <br />use permit supports several policies contained in the General Plan, Policy 2.2 of the Land <br />Use Element encourages land uses that accommodate the City's needs for goods and <br />services. Providing a variety of full - service restaurants that feature alcoholic beverages on <br />their menus offers additional dining options for Santa Ana residents and visitors, especially <br />those to Downtown, which continues to develop as a dining and retail destination with regional <br />significance. Furthermore, Policy 2.8 of the Land Use Element promotes the rehabilitation of <br />commercial properties, and encourages increased levels of capital investment. Eqeko Cafe's <br />tenancy contributes to the maintenance and viability of the historic commercial building in <br />which it is located. Further, Policy 2.9 of the land Use Element supports developments that <br />create a business environment that is safe and attractive. Operational standards for the <br />proposed Type 41 ABC license will maintain a safe and attractive environment in Downtown <br />Santa Ana. Finally, Policy 5.5 of the Land Use Element encourages development that is <br />compatible with and supporting of surrounding land uses. Eqeko Cafe is located in a <br />commercial area and its operations will be compatible with the surrounding commercial <br />businesses. <br />After -Hours operations (CUP No 2015 -037 <br />The proposed after -hours conditional use permit will allow the proposed restaurant to remain <br />open past 12:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. The proposed use's location in a predominantly commercial <br />area surrounded by offices, retail stores, service uses, and similar restaurants minimizes the <br />possibility of concerns that are typically associated with after -hours operations where there is <br />potential for noise or safety impacts to residential uses. Conditions of approval have been placed <br />upon the use in order to mitigate these potential concerns. The following findings support the <br />recommendation of approval for after -hours operations. <br />31 C -7 <br />