Planning commission approves conditional use permit for Jalisco restaurant to host events and live entertainment

The Lancaster City Planning Commission on a 5-0 vote with two members absent approved a conditional use permit allowing Jalisco restaurant, 42525 Tenth Street West, to host special events and live entertainment both inside the building and on its outdoor patio.

Staff described the application and recommended approval. Mitzi Alvarado, the case planner, told commissioners the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Class 1 for existing facilities, that public notices were mailed within a 500-foot radius and posted on the property, and that the Lancaster Police Department reviewed the project and provided clearance. Alvarado also noted the city had received one letter from a neighboring property owner raising concerns about periodic parking on adjacent land.

The nut of the decision was that the permit will allow events such as weddings, karaoke and comedy shows in the restaurant’s interior and on its landscaped patio, while subjecting the operation to standard conditions. Alvarado said staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 25-12 to approve the permit and authorize staff to file a notice of exemption under CEQA.

Hector Isordia, owner of Jalisco restaurant, spoke to commissioners about the restaurant’s financial strain and said the ability to hold private and community events would help the family-owned business. “We get a lot of requests, especially for weddings and private events,” Isordia said. He told the commission he had attempted to contact the adjacent property owner after learning of her concerns and said he will use security staff to prevent patrons from parking on the neighbor’s land.

Commissioners asked about conditions of approval, including a standard requirement limiting light spillover (noted by staff as a condition to prevent lighting spill) and an enforcement review schedule. Hai Nguyen, assistant director for the Community Development Department, explained the permit includes a condition that allows the community development director to review compliance every six months during the first 24 months after approval; the director or the commission may also call up the permit for further review if law-enforcement or alcohol-related issues arise.

The full motion, read into the record, was to adopt Resolution No. 25-12 approving the conditional use permit to allow special events and live entertainment at Jalisco and to find the project exempt under CEQA; the motion passed 5-0 with two members absent. Commissioners congratulated Isordia on the expanded operation and wished him luck.

The permit preserves the restaurant’s existing uses and imposes the conditions described in the staff report, including the periodic compliance reviews and standard lighting and alcohol-related measures. Staff and the applicant remain available to address follow-up enforcement or parking concerns raised by the neighbor.