Council approves River Street Ranch accessory-use permit, lowers closing hour to 8 p.m.

San Juan Capistrano — The City Council on July 15 approved a conditional accessory use permit, site plan review and administrative approvals for a new eating establishment at River Street Ranch (31791 Los Rios Street), with adjusted hours.

Staff described the project as a new 980‑square‑foot kitchen building with a 434‑square‑foot porch and a 636‑square‑foot outdoor dining area located within the Los Rios Specific Plan. Because the property sits at the boundary of the Los Rios historic commercial and historic residential districts, staff said the project includes a physical barrier to separate the commercial dining area from adjacent residences. The applicant also proposed repurposing an existing 206‑square‑foot accessory structure for interim food and beer/wine service while the larger building is constructed.

The Cultural Heritage Commission recommended limiting alcohol service hours to 10 a.m.–6 p.m. to align with nearby operations; staff recommended hours of 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Project staff said the applicant will require an alcohol beverage control (ABC) license, which will define where barriers must be placed to prevent alcohol from moving into the residential district.

Nearby residents raised concerns at the public hearing about noise, smoke, delivery truck staging on Los Rios Street, the proximity to property lines (one resident said the project sits roughly 53–54 feet from his property line) and late closing times. Steven Rios and others asked that closing be earlier than 9 p.m. and highlighted the need for enforcement on delivery vehicle staging. Commenters also questioned some design choices and historic-compatibility details.

The applicant publicly confirmed a condition that the kitchen will not use wood‑burning ovens and said the parties had discussed hours and other neighbor concerns; the applicant offered to work with neighbors on acceptable uses and signage/barrier placement.

Council member moved to approve staff’s recommendation with an exception to change the closing hour to 8 p.m.; the council unanimously approved the motion. The council approved required findings and found the project categorically exempt from CEQA under state CEQA Guidelines section 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures).

What happens next: The applicant must obtain required building permits and an ABC license that will define alcohol‑service boundaries; staff will implement conditions of approval and monitor compliance.