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Lomita Planning Commission approves beer-and-wine permit for Thanks Chicken at Pacific Coast Highway
Summary
The Lomita Planning Commission voted Jan. 13 to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 330 allowing Thanks Chicken at 1963 Pacific Coast Highway Unit B to sell beer and wine for on-site consumption between noon and 11 p.m.; staff found four sensitive uses within 300 feet but recommended approval.
Lomita Planning Commission voted Jan. 13 to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 330, allowing beer and wine sales for on-site consumption at Thanks Chicken, 1963 Pacific Coast Highway Unit B. The permit authorizes alcohol service daily from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The commission’s approval followed a staff presentation that described the property as located in the Community Commercial (CC) zone with a commercial general-plan designation. Staff said the shopping center sits on a regularly shaped lot of approximately 90,000 square feet containing three multi-tenant buildings and a standalone Bank of America ATM, and that no additional square footage was proposed for the restaurant.
Assistant Planner Erica Barberino told the commission that staff had identified four “sensitive uses” within 300 feet of the parcel boundary — Veterans Park, Alexander Fleming Middle School, Saint Margaret Mary School and Eshelman Elementary — and that the municipal code measures the 300-foot distance from the closest property line. Barberino said Los Angeles County Sheriff data showed five calls for service to the property, none related to alcohol, and that the site provides ample parking and adequate circulation. Based on those findings, staff recommended approval and a determination that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
During the public hearing, applicant Woo Jong Kim (who asked to be called John) said his restaurant, which serves Korean fried chicken, is seeking an alcohol license “to enhance our customers’ dining experience” and pledged to follow regulations for responsible service. The clerk reported one written communication in support from George Kibbit, who said a beer-and-wine license would complement the menu and not cause negative consequences at the location.
Commissioners questioned how the 300-foot measurement is applied to parcels that house multiple businesses and whether off-site parking would be included; staff replied the municipal code measures from the property where the use is located and that off-site parking would not be counted. Commissioners and staff noted several existing restaurants in the same shopping center already hold city approval for beer-and-wine sales, including a permit approved last year for the suite at 1937 Pacific Coast Highway.
A motion to approve staff’s recommendation was made and seconded (mover/second not specified in the transcript). The commission called for the question, members voted in favor and the chair announced the motion passed.
After approval, staff said the Community Economic Development Director will submit the required public convenience or necessity findings for the sale of alcohol and that the commission’s action included a CEQA exemption finding.
Votes at a glance: Conditional Use Permit No. 330 — outcome: approved; motion to approve staff recommendation (mover: not specified; second: not specified); vote: no nays or abstentions recorded; chair announced the motion passed.
The commission opened and closed public comment on the item during the hearing. No conditions or amendments to the permit were recorded in the meeting transcript.
