Planning Commission approves Rooster Tail's small rear patio with restrictions after resident objections

The Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional-use request to add an approximately 180-square-foot outdoor dining patio for up to 18 patrons behind Rooster Tail in Japantown, subject to several conditions intended to mitigate noise and sanitation concerns.

Sharon Young (Planning Department) summarized the application and noted the department received letters both for and against the patio. Project sponsor Jennifer Butler described the site layout, fencing and vegetation and said owners planned to clean the patio nightly and prohibit amplified music. Ms. Butler said beer and wine account for roughly 10% of the business and that the expansion's goal is to stabilize the nascent restaurant.

Residents from the Golden Gate Apartments spoke against the proposal, citing noise, pests and sanitation. Mary Anne Hori, who lives at the complex, said the patio faces approximately 60 bedrooms in an interior courtyard and asked the commission to decline the request. Michiko Yamada, another nearby resident, said neighbors had valid concerns about cleanliness and noise.

Commissioner Wu recused himself from the item because his employer, Chinatown Community Development Center, manages the affordable-housing complex whose residents objected; the recusal was approved by roll call. After discussion the commission approved the patio with conditions including a 10:00 p.m. closing for outdoor activity, prohibition of bussing stations and amplified sound, nightly cleaning and a requirement to install planters to close an open gap in the fence. The motion passed 5-1 with Commissioner Sugaya dissenting.

The commission asked staff and the sponsor to continue outreach to non-English-speaking residents so mitigation and enforcement conditions are understood.