La Habra planning commission approves redesign of Harbor Boulevard shopping center with reduced parking and blanket CUP

The La Habra Planning Commission on a 5-0 vote approved a design review, a blanket conditional use permit and related permits to remodel the La Habra Shopping Center at 301–341 North Harbor Boulevard and allow two sit-down restaurants, a martial-arts training studio and an automobile repair shop, while approving a reduced on‑site parking count supported by a parking study.

The action, made by Commissioner Manley and seconded by Commissioner Logan Cannon, adopted a resolution approving Design Review 24-0009 and Conditional Use Permit 25-0002 (the blanket CUP) plus additional CUPs for a parking reduction and a sign program. The resolution included a CEQA exemption cited in the motion as “section 15,301 class 1 existing facilities of the CEQA guidelines” and passed 5-0; the decision becomes final in 10 days unless appealed to city council.

The project covers a 1.7-acre parcel at the northwest corner of Harbor Boulevard and Stearns Avenue and proposes a full exterior renovation of an existing multi-tenant center built in 1963. Ash Saeed, senior planner, told the commission the plan reserves specific suites for the proposed uses: Suites 303 and 331A for sit-down restaurants with patios…