The San Anselmo Planning Commission convened on December 2, 2024, to discuss a conditional use permit and design review for a project at 60 Greenfield Avenue. The primary focus of the meeting was to evaluate the proposal for outdoor seating and dining as an accessory use to an existing restaurant, along with necessary exterior modifications.

Assistant Planner Jackson DeBronier presented the project, noting that the site has a history of various restaurant uses since its original construction as a Taco Bell in 1968. The proposal includes partial demolition of the existing parking lot, which would remove four parking spaces but still provide a total of 11 on-site parking spaces, including two accessible spaces. The project also involves the removal of a heritage tree, which will be replaced with an olive tree.

Key features of the project include a new 2,000 square foot outdoor seating area, a 272 square foot copper awning, and renovations to the existing building's facade. The design incorporates new windows, doors, and exterior materials, aiming to enhance the aesthetic appeal while maintaining the building's original profile.

The project is categorized as exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), specifically under class 3 and class 32 exemptions for new construction and infill development. Staff recommended that the commission approve the conditional use permit and design review, asserting that the project would not increase the intensity of use and would comply with town parking regulations.

The commission was given the option to approve the project, request further information, or deny it. The meeting concluded with a clear recommendation from staff to move forward with the proposal, emphasizing its potential to improve the functionality of an underutilized site while maintaining a balanced mix of land uses in the area.