Pacific Grove approves Hops & Fog bulb‑out for sidewalk dining; owner to pay costs, one parking space removed

Pacific Grove — The City Council unanimously authorized staff to grant an encroachment permit to Hops & Fog Brewing Company to construct a sidewalk bulb‑out for outdoor dining at 511 Lighthouse Avenue, removing one on‑street parking space. The council voted Oct. 1, 2025, after hearing staff presentations, the business owner’s remarks and public comment both for and against the project.

Dan Goh, a city staff presenter, said the bulb‑out proposal was developed after the business and staff evaluated design options and that the bulb‑out preserves a street tree by wrapping the dining area around it. The bulb‑out is a deviation from a standard encroachment permit because it alters the curb footprint and will replace a parking space; the applicant will bear all construction costs.

“[The bulb‑out] meets all the parameters set forth in the sidewalk dining manual,” Goh said, adding that Hops & Fog will submit detailed plans to the building department and obtain the encroachment permit for staff review.

Owner Jimena Weiszlueth spoke in support of the project and said she and staff followed the city’s 2024 sidewalk dining guidelines in developing the design. “We are eager enough to make this happen that we’re willing to fund it ourselves,” she said, noting that the bulb‑out will extend a corridor of outdoor dining and activate the street.

Several residents spoke during public comment. Supporters said the bulb‑out will enhance pedestrian activity and street vibrancy. Other speakers asked for a consistent policy and fuller process before encroaching on city right‑of‑way. One speaker requested visible, citywide standards so other businesses and neighbors know how similar requests will be handled.

Council discussion emphasized that the city’s civil engineering team prepared the bulb‑out plan and that the proposal follows the sidewalk dining guidelines the council approved previously. Staff confirmed the applicant must provide updated insurance and a sidewalk dining administrative permit in addition to the encroachment permit. Staff also said they will develop formal policies and procedures to streamline similar requests in the future.

The council approved the staff recommendation by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously. Councilmembers reiterated that the owner will be responsible for construction costs, the project will remove one parking space, and the city will handle engineering review and permit compliance prior to construction.

Next steps: Hops & Fog will submit a final plan for the encroachment permit and required sidewalk dining permit; staff will review materials for compliance with the sidewalk dining guidelines and verify insurance and public‑liability coverage before issuing the permit.