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Seaside planning commission approves meeting facility at 795 Broadway with conditions on parking, hours and bird deterrence
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Summary
The Seaside Planning Commission approved a use permit and architectural review for a small meeting/conference center at 795 Broadway, imposing a 30-person occupancy cap, specified evening hours, a new trash enclosure and a condition requiring a preapproved bird-deterrent measure; appeals are allowed within seven calendar days.
The Seaside Planning Commission on Dec. 10 approved a use permit (UP2025-002) and an associated architectural review for a meeting facility and trash enclosure at 795 Broadway Avenue.
Staff presentation said the 4,000-square-foot site had previously housed furniture retail and that the proposed conference/bridal study center would operate three evenings a week (Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Senior staff noted the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under a Class 1 exemption and recommended approval subject to standard conditions.
The commission’s decision included several conditions intended to limit neighborhood impacts. Staff (presenter Eric Azio) explained that nonresidential parking requirements under the West Broadway Urban Village (WBUV) standard are one space per 500 square feet; by that metric the site requires four parking spaces and the plans provide five. To address concern about spillover parking, the permit includes a condition limiting on-site occupancy to 30 people and limiting hours of operation; staff added that the occupancy or hours could be revisited if evidence shows no adverse parking impacts.
The project also proposes a galvanized-steel prefabricated trash enclosure sized to fit three 64-gallon carts and the architectural-review conditions require the enclosure be installed and the removed exterior door to be closed with wall materials consistent with adjacent finishes. Staff described additional conditions requiring display/activation of the storefront so the space does not appear vacant and measures to prevent and mitigate bird nesting on the building without disturbing active nests. Staff told the commission that the applicant must submit a proposed deterrent for the planning department’s review and that installations must be evaluated for bird safety and timed before nesting season.
Guillermo Dominguez, the applicant’s representative, told the commission the parking is typically vacant during the proposed hours and offered to match colors and materials. An online speaker identifying themselves as the project architect explained the prefabricated enclosure was selected as an affordable, compliant option for the client (the transcript records multiple, variant spellings for the architect’s name; the record identifies an architect as participating online).
Commissioners debated whether to require a specific color; the motion approved by the commission allows staff to approve alternative colors that are consistent with neighboring downtown buildings. The chair noted the decision is final unless an appeal is filed in writing with the city clerk within seven calendar days and accompanied by the required filing fee.
The commission’s action approves both the use permit (UP2025-002) and the architectural review (AR2025-022) with the conditions described above. The item record shows the property owner listed as the Eugene F. and Rosemarie Fisquale Family Trust and Vilma Mendoza as the applicant.
