Zoning administrator continues Buona Forchetta review, directs action on outdoor storage and seating compliance

The San Clemente zoning administrator on June 4 continued the 12‑month operational review of Buona Forchetta, 1014 South El Camino Real, to Oct. 9 and directed staff and the restaurant operator to resolve an outstanding outdoor storage issue and work with city enforcement and fire officials.

Project planner David Prio reported staff's May 29 site visit found the restaurant in compliance with most conditions of approval but noncompliant with Condition 1.4, which requires adherence to the San Clemente Municipal Code. Staff observed uncovered firewood and spare propane tanks stored in the restaurant's outdoor dining area; the operator said those items are necessary for a wood‑fired pizza oven and for outdoor heaters. The operator requested an interpretation allowing the storage in the outdoor dining area; staff did not issue such an interpretation and sought direction from the zoning administrator.

General manager Joe Prigolo told the zoning administrator the restaurant removed physical tables and revised its internal ticketing system; staff counted 32 indoor seats and 16 outdoor seats during the May 29 visit. Public comments submitted for the hearing totaled roughly 10 to 12 messages, many raising parking and pedestrian safety concerns on nearby Santiago and surrounding streets.

Zoning Administrator Adam Atamian directed staff to work with the restaurant on a decorative, code‑compliant enclosure or screening for firewood and to screen propane tanks consistent with outdoor storage and equipment screening requirements. He asked staff to consult the Orange County Fire Authority on safe storage of combustible materials and propane and to identify the most cost‑effective screening solution that meets code and fire safety. Atamian also directed the Community Services/OCST and traffic/engineering staff to consider periodic patrols and traffic/parking changes — including a previously requested green curb — and asked code enforcement to include the site in its swing‑shift patrols to verify that approved seat counts are maintained.

The zoning administrator said he would have staff and the applicant implement those steps and return to the zoning administrator on Oct. 9 to assess whether the measures reduced neighborhood impacts. No change was made to the permit itself at the hearing; the item was continued for follow‑up.

During public comment, Sam Parsley, who identified himself as living in Dana Point, said he favored keeping the restaurant in San Clemente and described it as authentic; Prigolo and the applicant's representatives discussed operational changes and storage options during the hearing. The zoning administrator thanked staff and the applicant for cooperation and set the next review for October 9, 2025.