Aurora planning panel approves hookah lounge near homes with conditions
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Summary
The Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 approved a conditional-use permit, 5-0, for VOGO Hookah Lounge at 13732 E. Quincy Ave., subject to adherence to the submitted operations plan and a requirement that at least 50% of the storefront windows remain clear for visibility. Neighbors raised concerns about late-night hours, noise and air quality.
On Nov. 12 the Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a conditional-use permit for VOGO Hookah Lounge at 13732 E. Quincy Ave. in Ward 5, subject to two conditions: that the business substantially comply with its submitted operations plan and maintain a minimum of 50% clear window frontage on the unit’s front facade.
City case manager Eric Gates told the commission staff recommended approval after review of the unified development ordinance and the applicant’s updated operations plan. Gates summarized site conditions, neighborhood outreach and mitigation measures included in the plan, saying staff "feel[s] confident that the criteria ... can be met." The application was reviewed because the unit sits within 300 feet of an R2 residential zone, which triggers a conditional-use review.
The applicant said the business will not serve alcohol, will not operate as a nightclub or include a dance floor, and will check IDs at a front reception prior to entry. "We are okay with conditions," said Eunice Alsharairi, one of the owners and an Aurora resident. She also told the commission the owners plan to install a suction-and-filtration HVAC system and said they would comply with the Clean Air Colorado Act to limit smoke leaving the building.
Neighbors who live within a few hundred feet told the commission they were concerned that the proposed hours — noon to midnight Monday through Thursday and noon to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday — could harm neighborhood livability. "The late night hours and proximity to residential homes raise compatibility concerns," said resident Christian Fussi, who said he lives fewer than 300 feet from the site. Another neighbor, Douglas Heinemann, said alley noise has disturbed sleep in the past and asked the commission to consider late-night impacts.
Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant about operational details, including how the 50% clear-window requirement would be applied where a circular parking-area structure partially sits in front of the storefront. Trevor Vaughn of tax and licensing said the condition is consistent with other approvals and cited crime-prevention-through-environmental-design reasons for maintaining sight lines: windows that remain visible help deter loitering and make police responses safer.
Commissioner Busch moved for approval based on the staff recommendation; Commissioner Riley seconded. After a brief discussion noting the applicants’ outreach and proposed mitigation measures, the commission took a roll-call vote. Commissioners Busch, Geiser (recorded as Geyser in parts of the record), Reilly, Hogan and Walls each voted to approve, and the motion passed 5-0.
The commission’s decision is final for most cases but may be appealed to the Aurora City Council: appeals must be filed in writing with the city manager within 10 calendar days of the public hearing.
Next steps for the project include any required building permits and final occupancy determination; staff said capacity and certificate-of-occupancy questions are typically resolved after land-use approvals.
