Commission grants conditional-use permit for Aniana Williams’ restaurant at 1502 Avenue

The Planning Commission approved a conditional-use permit for a proposed restaurant at 1502 Avenue after a public hearing in which the applicant described plans for a family-oriented, largely outdoor dining area and takeout service.

Applicant Aniana (Aniana) Williams addressed the commission and described the restaurant as a family atmosphere serving fresh, home-cooked food with occasional live entertainment. Williams said she hopes to offer alcoholic beverages at a later date and intends to provide the parking, accessible spaces and site amenities detailed on the submitted plan.

Why this matters: Because the proposed use includes extensive outdoor seating and is located in a C-2 commercial zone that permits sit-down restaurants with conditions, the applicant sought a conditional-use permit to ensure the site plan addresses parking, screening and accessibility requirements.

Staff recommendation and conditions: Planning staff recommended approval subject to the plan’s parking layout (including accessible parking), installation of a concrete pad and opaque fencing around the dumpster, provision of required site lighting/landscaping as shown, and coordination with utility providers and engineering for any required site permits. Staff and engineering reported no objections to the conditional-use request; the water utility reported the existing service is a 3/4-inch meter at the northeast corner of the property.

Action: Following the public hearing, the commission approved the staff recommendation by voice vote.

Quote: Applicant Aniana Williams said she wanted to “bring a nice family vibe, family atmosphere, nice home cooked, fresh food” to the neighborhood.

Ending: The applicant must obtain required building, health and utility permits and comply with the conditions attached to the conditional-use permit before opening.