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Planning commission approves live-music permit for Monterey Mexican Grill and Bar with conditions on security and noise
Summary
The commission granted a conditional use permit allowing live music and DJs at Monterey Mexican Grill and Bar (15176 Lake Shore Drive) after staff described occupancy, hours and conditions; commissioners required security, health and fire conformity and noted a prior police noise response.
The Clear Lake Planning Commission on July 9 approved a conditional use permit (CUP 2024-01) and the associated categorical exemption (CE 2024-03) allowing live music and disc jockey entertainment at Monterey Mexican Grill and Bar, 15176 Lake Shore Drive.
Staff described the tenant space layout with two areas: a restaurant side (occupancy 75) and a bar/dance side (occupancy 145), for a combined maximum occupancy around 210 when accounting for employees. Proposed operating hours for live events are 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; staff advised that previously issued temporary-use permits had not generated substantive public opposition in the record. Fire and health department comments were included as conditions of approval; staff said minor conformance items must be resolved prior to operation.
Commissioners asked whether sound tests had been conducted to measure levels at neighboring property lines; staff said none were known to be done and noted the police department documented three responses to events at the venue—two incidents measured below allowed noise limits and one exceeded the limit and was reduced after police instruction. Commissioner Inglis asked how revocation would work; staff pointed to permit conditions (numbers 36 and 37) that allow revocation procedures if violations persist or complaints continue and said staff would bring revocation recommendations back to the commission if necessary.
Applicant Maria Onate said the venue will enforce ID checks and wristbands to ensure patrons are 21 and over during certain events, deploy licensed security (she named security agencies and said she had provided company names and insurance to staff), and use wand searches and other measures to promote safety. Onate also said staff plans to avoid serving bottles and to manage recycling and trash to maintain safety.
Commissioner English moved to approve the CUP; Vice Chair Stewart seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The permit includes conditions addressing fire and health requirements, occupancy limits and security expectations; staff and the police chief recommended that the police be notified in advance of events and provided security-company contact information. The approval allows the operator to run more frequent live-music events than under past temporary permits but makes continued operation contingent on compliance with permit conditions and responses to complaints.
