Commission approves Manny's Place beer and wine bar on Bell Road

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on March 6, 2025, focused on a significant proposal for a new beer and wine bar, named Manny's Place, located at the southeast corner of Bell Road and Citrus Road in Surprise, Arizona. The meeting began with a presentation detailing the request for a use-only conditional use permit (CUP) for the establishment, which will occupy a 2,965 square foot space within an existing 10,149 square foot multi-tenant retail building.

The zoning for the site is classified as Surprise Farms PAD, with an underlying zoning of C2. The proposed bar will feature two outdoor patios, totaling 765 square feet, and is designed to accommodate 28 parking spaces, although 68 spaces are being provided. Access to the site will include a left-in from Bell Road and a right-in/right-out on both Bell Road and Citrus Road, ensuring adequate traffic flow and pedestrian connectivity.

The project was evaluated against Title 17 regulations for bars, pubs, and taverns, meeting all necessary criteria, including a 300-foot separation from the nearest residential zone and a 500-foot distance from any school. The proposed location exceeds these requirements, being approximately 332 feet from residential areas and 700 feet from the nearest high school.

An outreach meeting was held on January 9, 2025, where one attendee raised questions regarding parking, pedestrian walkways, and the establishment's hours of operation. The commission noted that the applicant had satisfactorily addressed these concerns.

During the meeting, Commissioner Perry expressed support for the project, highlighting its compatibility with the surrounding community and the ample parking available. Following the discussion, the public hearing was closed, and the commission moved towards a decision on the CUP.

The commission ultimately recommended approval of the use-only CUP, along with stipulations A through E, marking a positive step forward for the proposed Manny's Place bar in Surprise.