Council reviews Webb's Grain Works outdoor dining concept amid parking and noise concerns

The Aliso Viejo City Council reviewed a concept plan for an outdoor dining area proposed at Webb's Grain Works, a restaurant and distillery at 7 Journey, and provided feedback focused on parking, noise and public-safety concerns.

Senior planner Rose Rivera told the council the site includes a 20,000-square-foot building on a 2.5-acre lot, with Webb occupying roughly 10,000 square feet. Rivera said the total required parking for all uses is 74 spaces while the property would provide 63 after the proposed outdoor dining area — a deficit of 11 spaces, or roughly 15%.

"The total required parking spaces for all uses would be 74, while only 63 spaces would be provided," Rivera said, and staff noted a parking observation by RK Engineering conducted on a Friday in April. Rivera added that staff observed three spaces being occupied by picnic tables and barrels during a site visit, which would increase the effective deficit to about 19%, and that a full parking study and an administrative use permit (plus an exception for the parking reduction) would be required if the applicant moves forward.

Applicant Mark Levine, who said he is the project's chief marketing officer, said the smaller parking study done in April showed a deficit of roughly 14% after removing picnic tables and other obstructions and estimated the proposed patio would seat about 30 patrons. "We showed a deficit of 19 according to a survey that was done with, you know, park benches and things like that in place. With those removed... we had a deficit of 14% and change," Levine said.

Councilmembers expressed a mix of support for outdoor seating and concern about consistency and precedent on parking exceptions. Several councilmembers said street parking typically is not counted to offset private parking deficits, though some said they would consider including it if a follow-up parking study showed adequate availability during peak hours. Multiple members also asked about safety; Sergeant Duran reported that since September 2023 there have been 13 calls for burglary alarms (mostly false), two DUIs, one grand theft (ebike batteries), one assault between coworkers, several petty-theft incidents, and two disturbances.

One councilmember said they would recuse themself because a family member works at Webb's. Applicants and staff emphasized that the proposal does not include outdoor entertainment or live music; council feedback focused on requiring a full parking study, exploring off-site parking agreements if needed, and ensuring that the patio remain for dining only.

There was no formal action taken at the meeting; staff asked the applicant to pursue the required administrative permits and a full parking study if they wish to proceed.