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San Clemente design reviewers give advisory tweaks for Rita Chiquita restaurant remodel
Summary
The Design Review Subcommittee reviewed development permit 25-488 for 424 N. El Pino, advising the applicant to emphasize mid‑century‑modern elements, align rooflines visually, include mechanical screening and integrated signage, and resolve ADA access details before planning commission review.
The Design Review Subcommittee of San Clemente City met Dec. 17, 2025, to provide advisory comments on development permit application 25-488 to convert the existing office at 424 North El Pino into a restaurant the applicant said will be named “Rita Chiquita.”
Staff presented the site plan, noted the building sits inside the city’s architectural overlay and described the existing building as mid‑century modern designed by Chris Abel; staff recommended preserving that character and making site improvements that complement the structure. Speaker 3 summarized the recommendation: "it would be more in character at this site to preserve the architectural design that's already there and create site improvements that complement that."
Subcommittee members emphasized visual cohesion. Speaker 1 said keeping horizontal roof elements would…
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