Planning commission approves special exception to open Bella’s Events at 1025 Market Street with parking and operational conditions

The Planning Commission voted to approve a special exception to allow an event space at 1025 Market Street, subject to conditions on floodplain review, parking arrangements, and operations.

Jeff, planning bureau staff, presented the application and said the property is a 0.18-acre lot with a one-story, 9,623-square-foot building constructed circa 1900. Staff recommended approval under section 7-303.11(b) of the zoning code but recommended conditions because the property lies within the AE 100-year floodplain and floodway. Staff also recommended that the applicant secure leases with nearby off-street parking lots so patrons do not end up parking on sidewalks and that the applicant conform to the submitted business plan, including no alcohol on-site and events ending by midnight.

Stephanie Salas, the applicant and owner of Bella’s Events, said the space already contains ADA-accessible restrooms and a sink area and that she has renovated the interior; she said the venue will accommodate up to 90 people and will not include a full kitchen. Dale (KD3 Design Studio), representing the owner and tenant, said there is no planned construction at this stage. Commissioners asked about outreach to neighbors and parking plans; Salas said she had spoken to local neighbors and was pursuing discussions with nearby lot owners about weekend parking agreements.

Several commissioners expressed support for activating a vacant building in a mixed-use corridor, noting the business could bring evening activity without nearby residential units. A motion to approve the special exception with the staff-recommended conditions was moved and seconded and carried on a voice vote. The approval is subject to the applicant obtaining any required floodplain approvals and following the specified operational limits.