Zoning board approves conditional use to open liquor store with prepared foods at 2907 Douglas Avenue

The Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve a conditional-use request to convert an existing 3,000-square-foot building at 2907 Douglas Avenue into a liquor store that will sell alcoholic liquor, wine and beer for off-premises consumption and include prepared foods.

Frank, the staff presenter, told the board the site is in an MX3 mixed-use district, meets required separation distances from protected uses and otherwise satisfies the review criteria; staff recommended approval subject to standard conditions, including neighborhood meeting and any site-plan triggers. "Staff is recommending approval of the request for conditional use, subject to meeting conditions," Frank said.

Applicant representatives said they expect to invest about $600,000–$650,000 in renovations and plan to include a Chicken King franchise or similar prepared-food operation inside the convenience-style liquor store. Lloyd Ogle, the applicant's representative, said the project would be open daily from roughly 8 a.m. to midnight and that the operation would not include on-site alcohol consumption. "My client ... believes the food sales may be 50% of our sales," Ogle said.

Board members asked clarifying questions about separation distances and whether the change of use would trigger site-plan requirements; staff said the change of use will likely trigger site-plan review and related improvements. After brief deliberation Tom deceo moved to approve the conditional use, Dave Gehr seconded, and the board voted 7–0 to carry the motion.

The project must meet the conditions listed in the staff report and comply with any site-plan requirements before permits are issued. The board recorded the approval and will issue a decision and order to the applicant.