Plan commission approves conditional use permit for banquet facility at 8045 Watson Road

The Webster Groves Plan Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for a banquet/event facility at 8045 Watson Road (Yorkshire Plaza), concluding a public hearing and approving the application with conditions by roll call vote.

The commission approved the permit for a roughly 5,108-square-foot tenant space proposed by applicant Desiree McFadden, with hours limited to 10 a.m. to midnight, adherence to the city noise limits in the zoning code, and a requirement that the building conform to the International Building Code (IBC) for assembly occupancy before an occupancy certificate will be issued.

Staff presented the proposal as a conditional use in the C Commercial District and said the request is governed by multiple sections of the Webster Groves zoning code, noting specifically that the commission must find the use will not substantially increase traffic hazard or congestion, fire hazard, negatively affect neighborhood character, or overtax public utilities. The property is located in Yorkshire Plaza and was described in staff materials as a tenant space within an approximately 3.28-acre shopping center; the applicant plans to occupy about 5,108 square feet.

Staff estimated roughly 175 off-street parking spaces in front of the western building (a shared parking arrangement across the center) and observed the applicant’s expected occupancy at about 225 standing / 250 seated for typical events. Using the…