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Planning commission receives six‑month review of Arena OC minor use permit; staff finds no substantial increase in police calls
Summary
Staff reported on the six‑month review of the amended Minor Conditional Use Permit ZA‑22‑35 for Arena OC (formerly Commissary Lounge). Staff said police calls did not substantially increase after the approval; the commission voted 5–1 to receive and file the review, with Vice Chair Zick dissenting.
Assistant planner Gabriel Villalobos presented the six‑month review of the amended Minor Conditional Use Permit (ZA‑22‑35) for Arena OC, a music venue at 2968 Randolph Avenue, saying the amendment — approved Aug. 12, 2024 — expanded operating hours and allowed a Type 90 ABC music-venue license while adding conditions including age restrictions and commission reviews.
Villalobos said the permit's conditions limit underage patrons (those under 21) to Thursdays and certain holidays after Costa Mesa Police Department raised concerns during the original review. The condition was intended to allow limited attendance by 18‑ to 20‑year‑olds on specified nights while reducing impacts to city services.
For the six‑month evaluation staff examined calls‑for‑service logs and other records. "There was no substantial increase in the calls for service based off of the calls for service log," Villalobos told the commission, adding that only two calls during the review period occurred on Thursdays when underage patrons might have been present. He said there were no noise complaints or code‑compliance violations linked to the property during the review interval and that staff believes the business has operated in good faith with the conditions imposed.
Vice Chair Zick asked whether the business or owner attended the hearing; Villalobos said staff had spoken with the owner and the owner had indicated a representative might attend, but none appeared. Zick asked whether the venue kept a count of patrons aged 21 and over on Thursdays; Villalobos replied that the conditions require the venue to keep a log of ticket sales per night but that the log reported gross ticket sales and did not distinguish minors from adults. Villalobos said staff could consider asking for more detailed attendance information at the 12‑month review.
Commissioner Martinez moved to receive and file the six‑month review; Commissioner Andrade seconded. Vice Chair Zick said he would not support the motion, repeating a prior position that he had not supported allowing minors into an adult nightclub setting and citing the Costa Mesa Police Department's lack of recommendation. The motion carried 5–1 with Vice Chair Zick voting no.
The commission also directed staff to continue monitoring the venue and to return with the required 12‑month review this August.
"Staff has determined that there was no substantial increase in the calls for service based off of the calls for service log," Gabriel Villalobos said during his presentation.
Ending: The commission took no further action beyond receiving and filing the staff report. Staff will prepare the 12‑month review and continue to monitor calls for service and compliance with the permit conditions.
