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Zoning board approves event venue at former McDonald’s site, members debate parking and capacity
Summary
The board granted a conditional use for an event venue at 2923 Southwest Ninth Street (the former McDonald’s), approving staff conditions despite members’ concerns about on‑street parking, occupancy and the applicant’s reliance on off-site parking.
The City of Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a conditional use permit for an event venue at 2923 Southwest Ninth Street — a vacant former McDonald’s property — while several board members expressed concern that the applicant had not yet resolved parking and capacity details.
Planner Catherine Drahas said the applicant seeks a conditional use for assembly/entertainment small in an RX1 district. She reported the applicant’s plan would rehab the building, reuse the drive-thru lane to add on-site parking, and allow reservations for private events. The applicant said events would be by reservation and guests could bring wine or beer for service; if alcohol were served, the applicant said it would provide security for events.
Applicant Martin Castaneda described the venue as a family-oriented gathering space for weddings, quinceañeras, business gatherings and community events. He said proposed hours were 8 a.m. to midnight with events concluding by midnight and one hour allowed for cleanup. Castaneda told the board he owns nearby properties he planned to use for overflow parking and said converting the drive‑thru could increase the site’s regular spots.
Board members pressed applicants on parking logistics, ADA/fire access and how on-street parking would be managed. Several board members said they were uncomfortable approving the venue without a completed site plan showing how required, maneuverable spaces would be provided. Some members noted city departments (building and fire) determine final occupancy and that the site-plan process would determine compliance with parking and fire code requirements.
Chair Mel Pins and several members nonetheless said the zoning factors for a conditional use were satisfied and emphasized that zoning enforcement and subsequent site‑plan and code review provide additional checks. The board voted to approve the conditional use subject to the staff’s 11 listed conditions; the motion carried on a board vote.
The decision allows the applicant to proceed to the required site‑plan and building/fire reviews; staff and the board emphasized those subsequent reviews will determine final parking, maneuvering and occupancy limits and could trigger additional conditions or modifications. The board also noted the applicant’s deed restrictions from the prior restaurant tenancy and the need to address them during redevelopment.
