Staff recommends approval of beer-and-wine license at busy West Waters corner; applicant seeks distance waivers

An agent for La Esquina Sabrosa asked the land use hearing officer for a 2-COP alcoholic beverage license (beer and wine) for on-premise consumption at a restaurant located at 2730 West Waters Avenue and requested waivers to standard separation distances. The applicant's agent described the site as a busy commercial corner and said one adjacent residential parcel measures about 126.2 feet from the premises (the code requires 250 feet) and two churches measure 184 and 384 feet away (the code requires 500 feet). He argued the commercial character, medians, parking and physical buffers reduce walkability and negate the need for strict application of separation distances.

Staff planner Chris Grellinard recommended approval under LDC provisions that allow waivers where unique circumstances negate strict distance requirements. "Given the commercial character of the area, physical buffers and the nature of the business, staff finds the impacts minimal," Grellinard said, and recommended approval of the 2-COP permit with the requested waivers for a 2,762-square-foot wet zone footprint.

No members of the public spoke in opposition at the hearing. The hearing officer closed the item and will file a written decision within 15 working days; any appeal would be limited to the record created at the hearing.