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Zoning administrator approves arcade’s permit to add on-site beer sales in San Rafael
Summary
The San Rafael zoning administrator approved a use permit allowing an existing arcade at 75 Bellum Boulevard, Suite H to sell beer on-site, subject to security upgrades, bicycle‑parking plan submission and exterior lighting approval; the decision is subject to a five‑business‑day appeal period.
Christina Estadio, principal planner acting as lead administrator for the hearing, approved a use permit on May 28 allowing an existing arcade at 75 Bellum Boulevard, Suite H to add on‑site beer sales, subject to conditions and a five‑business‑day appeal period.
Associate Planner Renee described the application as a request to continue operation of an arcade zone establishment with the addition of beer sales. "The beer sales will be limited provided by the employee of the site...only served to persons of age," Renee said, and staff recommended handling the matter at the zoning administrator level because it was not considered a major neighborhood impact.
Staff told the hearing that the San Rafael Police Department had reviewed the prior use permit and highlighted conditions meant to increase security, including interior security cameras and additional exterior lighting; those security conditions remain part of the approval package. Renee said interior cameras and a mirror were in place and that exterior lighting design is pending approval. The applicant acknowledged the lighting submittal must be revised and resubmitted for city review.
Bicycle parking required by the prior permit was restored as a condition. Staff clarified that the condition requires the applicant to provide a bicycle‑parking plan for the property owner and for staff review, rather than immediate installation at the storefront. "We are taking into consideration that this is part of a larger shopping center," Renee said, and staff will continue to coordinate with the property owner.
Renee noted the business license for the arcade has already been issued, but the city will not sign off on the ABC (alcohol) license or allow alcohol service until the listed conditions—security measures, approved exterior lighting and the bicycle‑parking plan—are satisfied. "We won't be able to sign off on the [ABC] license until those" conditions are met, the planner said.
Attorney Darren Lebeloff, representing the applicant Orlando, asked whether the 11 p.m. closing hour was fixed; staff explained that the municipal code limits closing to 11 p.m. unless a later hour is approved by the planning commission through a different process. The applicant indicated he did not intend to pursue a later closing hour at this time.
Christina Estadio said she had no remaining questions, found the planner's findings sufficient and announced approval of the use permit "subject to findings and the conditions of approval." She also noted a five‑business‑day appeal period and that, absent an appeal, the project will take effect on the sixth day. Staff will notify the ABC department of the approval and provide the applicable conditions to support the alcohol‑license process.
The hearing closed after no public comments were received.
