The Whittier Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing Mission Square (13033 Penn Street, Suite 100) to upgrade an existing Type 41 beer-and-wine license to a Type 47 on-sale general ABC license, modify interior floor plans and permit expanded live entertainment in the outdoor courtyard, subject to conditions.

Why it matters: The change allows on-site general alcohol sales under a Type 47 license and modifies live-entertainment allowances for a historic Uptown Whittier building, affecting hours of operation in a census tract staff flagged as heavily concentrated with alcohol outlets.

Staff presentation: Planning technician Eduardo Rangel summarized CUP25-0002, saying the site is a local historic landmark (a Standard Oil building) of about 9,353 square feet with roughly 4,220 square feet of interior dining and about 3,995 square feet of outdoor area. The applicant (David Durkin, Affordable Additions Inc., on behalf of operator Alfredo Felix) requested the upgrade to a Type 47 ABC license, extended live-entertainment hours, and interior tenant improvements including ADA restrooms and two bars. Staff determined the project categorically exempt under CEQA and said the upgrade would replace an existing Type 41 license and therefore not increase the number of outlets; staff recommended adoption of the resolution approving CUP25-0002 with conditions.

Key conditions and details: Staff noted live entertainment would be limited to a 30-square-foot stage area within the extended dining and courtyard areas and that live entertainment must end at least one hour before closing; under the requested schedule, live entertainment on weekends could end near midnight or 1 a.m. Prior approvals cited in the staff presentation include an earlier conditional use permit (C97-01) and CUP19-0010 which extended hours for Uptown establishments.

Public comment and action: Magdalena Moe (who identified herself as a longtime Whittier resident) spoke in support of the business and its operator. After commissioner discussion, Commissioner Cornejo moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Connolly seconded. The roll-call vote recorded all five commissioners present voting yes: Commissioner Borsey (yes), Commissioner Connolly (yes), Commissioner Cornejo (yes), Vice Chair Quirk (yes), and Chair Rodriguez (yes). The motion carried and the commission approved CUP25-0002 with conditions of approval.

Discussion versus decision: Commissioners asked clarifying questions about hours and the extent of interior modifications; staff and the applicant said tenant improvements would require building-division approval. The recorded action is an approval of CUP25-0002; the commission did not alter staff’s recommended conditions in the transcript excerpt.

Ending note: Staff and the applicant will complete required building and safety approvals and monitor compliance with the conditions attached to the CUP.