Planning commission approves extended drive‑through hours for Wendy’s on Bristol with six‑month staff review

The Santa Ana Planning Commission on Jan. 13 adopted a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2025‑01 to allow after‑hours operation of the drive‑through at a new Wendy’s at 2600 South Bristol Street, with conditions and a six‑month staff review.

Staff presented the proposal and recommended approval as conditioned. Christian Santana, planning staff, told commissioners the site sits in the Planned Shopping Center C4 district, is about 2.08 acres, and that the freestanding pad building is 2,288 square feet. He said the original drive‑through hours for the prior tenant (a KFC) had been limited to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the applicant requested drive‑through hours from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday–Thursday and 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday–Saturday; indoor dining would be open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The staff report said the nearest single‑family residence is about 2,500 linear feet away and that the drive‑through speaker boxes face Bristol Street away from residences. Santana said the Police Department reviewed the application and did not oppose the CUP; staff recommended conditions including interior and exterior security cameras, site illumination standards, signage to discourage trespassing and contact information for on‑site management. Staff also concluded the project is categorically exempt from further review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (existing facilities).

Matt Clark, representing Coddy Foods (the Wendy’s franchisee), told the commission the applicant had reviewed the staff report and conditions and “we have no issues with them.” Ryan Zacky, operations representative for Coddy Foods, said the restaurant will install fixed security cameras oriented toward entrances and customer areas and that landscaping on site will be refurbished.

A member of the public, Manuel Fez, identified himself as a nearby resident and property owner and said he opposed the extended hours because of existing parking and late‑night nuisance concerns. Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about comparability to nearby businesses and about camera placement and privacy. Commissioner Wu asked whether the city places restrictions on exterior cameras; staff responded there are no specific city privacy restrictions on exterior cameras as part of a CUP.

Vice Chair Ramos moved to approve the CUP with the added condition that staff perform a six‑month review and report back to the commission; Commissioner Escamilla seconded the friendly amendment. The commission approved the CUP by majority vote; Chair Oliva recused himself from the item and Commissioner Pham was not on the dais for the vote.

The resolution approving CUP 2025‑01 includes the staff‑recommended conditions (security cameras, site illumination and property‑management contact information), the requirement to comply with Santa Ana Municipal Code standards applicable to after‑hours operations, and the six‑month staff review to assess any operational impacts and determine whether additional action (such as modifications to conditions) is warranted.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action; the staff report noted council review will be required and that any appeal of a council decision must be filed within 10 days.

The commission record shows the Police Department raised no opposition to the after‑hours request and that staff concluded the project would not be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the community if the conditions are observed.