PC 04/09/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

There is quite a bit of parking available, but the applicant will be required to limit seating in the restaurant to 516 persons. The applicant has agreed to this condition. Based on the above, staff feels the use permit findings can be made and recommends approval of this conditional use permit, UP-96-82, subject to the conditions of approval, as modified by staff memo. Commissioner Wright inquired whether or not the security guards will be licensed. Mr. Iserson stated he would defer to the Police Department requirements. Mr. Iserson believes the security guard would be employees of a security service that has some type of license. Commissioner Cooper inquired if the guards would be armed. They would not be armed. Commissioner Cooper also inquired if Sh-Boom and Cadillac Ranch are open until 2 am on week nights. Staff advised they are open until 2 am. Commissioner Lutz stated he liked the idea that staff would continue with noise readings. He proposed a change to Condition 3 to read "A study involving the measurement of noise during dancing and music...." Staff was amenable to this change. Commissioner Dove inquired if it were possible to require the applicants to install a noise meter in the bar so that it would be possible to determine what noise level inside creates a 70 dBA noise level outside. Anyone would then know by looking at the meter whether the noise level was exceeding the outside level. Staff thought that would be possible, however, staff would have no way of knowing or enforcing the restaurant staff to use the meter. Continued general discussion ensued regarding the use of noise meters. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Donald Kaplan, representing the Almaden Restaurant Group (owners of the Pedro's Restaurant), represented this application. He stated the restaurant just received an award from Consumer's Report as the Best Mexican Restaurant in the area they serve. They are as concerned about the sound level as are staff. Other mitigating measures taken include closed doors and drapes over the doors. Most of the music will be recorded DJ music, but occasionally they have been requested to have bands at private parties. Mr. Kaplan also clarified that this Pedro's Restaurant is not owned or managed by the same group as the original Pedro's Restaurant. They will be very responsive and want to be responsible citizens. The closest neighbor is the hotel across the street. They welcome any monitoring and will participate in the monitoring to satisfy staff that the sound will not disturb the peace and quiet of the neighbors. Security guards will be licensed. No one under 21 will be allowed in the cantina. In response to Commissioner Cooper, Mr. Kaplan stated they would lower the music volume, etc., if they were contacted by the manager of the adjacent hotel. Page 4 April 9, 1997 Planning Commission Minutes