Planning commission: street vacations and wine-tasting permit approved; summary of votes

The Redlands Planning Commission on June 24 approved two requests for determinations of general‑plan conformity for street vacations and approved a conditional use permit to allow an ancillary wine‑tasting room and retail sales at 570 Nevada Street, Suite M.

Street vacation No. 199 (Domestic Avenue) Staff presented Street Vacation No. 199 as a request to vacate two excess portions of right-of-way along the western terminus of Domestic Avenue to incorporate the remnant areas into adjacent park space and residential tracts. Staff cited California Government Code section 65402(a) and recommended the Planning Commission find the street vacation in conformity with the City’s General Plan and exempt from CEQA review under the general rule (CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3)). The commission moved to adopt Resolution No. 1708 to determine that Street Vacation No. 199 is in conformity with the General Plan; the motion was made by Commissioner Wells and seconded by Commissioner Sanson. The motion carried.

Street vacation No. 198 (Wabash Avenue) Staff described Street Vacation No. 198 as an unimproved dedication north of East Sunset Drive North that is a remnant of an original road alignment and not needed for present or prospective public use. Staff again cited Government Code section 65402(a) and recommended a conformity finding and CEQA exemption under §15061(b)(3). Applicant Marcela LaVestida spoke briefly, stating the intent to develop the parcel for custom homes and noting a prior, adjacent street vacation had been completed more than a decade earlier. The Planning Commission moved to adopt Resolution No. 1709 to determine that Street Vacation No. 198 is in conformity with the General Plan; the motion was moved by Commissioner Stanson and seconded by Commissioner Elliot. The motion carried.

Conditional Use Permit No. 1210 (wine tasting room) — 570 Nevada Street, Suite M Staff presented Conditional Use Permit No. 1210, which would allow ancillary wine‑tasting and retail sales at an existing wine production facility operating under a Type 2 winegrower’s ABC license. Staff noted the site’s Commercial‑Industrial designation and the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan zoning, and concluded the proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and zoning. The applicant, Patrick York, said the tasting operation would occupy about 390 square feet of the unit, operate limited hours (retail 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon–Wed; tasting/social hours Thu–Fri evenings and Sun midday), expect one employee per shift and a typical maximum of 15 patrons at any one time, and comply with State ABC rules.

Staff recommended approval and provided a draft resolution (Resolution No. 1706) with standard conditions. Commissioner Stanson moved to adopt Resolution No. 1706 approving CUP No. 1210 based on the staff findings; Commissioner Wells seconded. The commission voted in favor and the motion carried.

Votes at a glance - Street Vacation No. 199 (Domestic Avenue) — Resolution No. 1708 — motion: adopt conformity finding; mover: Commissioner Wells; seconder: Commissioner Sanson; outcome: approved (motion carries). - Street Vacation No. 198 (Wabash Avenue) — Resolution No. 1709 — motion: adopt conformity finding; mover: Commissioner Stanson; seconder: Commissioner Elliot; outcome: approved (motion carries). - Conditional Use Permit No. 1210 (570 Nevada St., Suite M) — Resolution No. 1706 — motion: approve CUP No. 1210 based on staff findings; mover: Commissioner Stanson; seconder: Commissioner Wells; outcome: approved (motion carries).

Public comment and written input For the street vacations staff said the commission received several written comments raising questions about historic resources; staff advised that the parcels are not historic‑designated and that any future development proposals would allow the commission to revisit those issues when entitlement applications are filed. For CUP No. 1210 staff and the applicant reported no written opposition and no public commenters opposed; the applicant answered commissioner questions about access, employee levels and occupancy and confirmed compliance with ABC licensing requirements.

Next steps Resolutions approving the street vacations are conformity determinations; City Council action is required for final street vacations. The wine tasting CUP approval allows the applicant to pursue final permits, ABC clearances and any building permits needed for the interior fit-out.