Planning commission calls for redesign, traffic study and fewer drive‑throughs at 760 S. Seward preliminary review

The Ventura Planning Commission on April 22 provided advisory feedback — but no formal decision — on a preliminary redevelopment proposal at 760 South Seward Avenue that would replace the long‑vacant Golden China site with three low‑rise buildings, including two drive‑through establishments and one quick‑serve or full‑service restaurant/retail space.

Staff associate planner Grant White framed the meeting as a “temperature check” at the applicant’s request: project 25‑0802 is a 3.37‑acre coastal‑zone proposal that would require a major design review, coastal development permit and use permit for the drive‑through uses. White told commissioners the application is still incomplete for technical studies; outstanding issues noted by staff and the Design Review Committee (DRC) include trash enclosures that must be integrated into building massing, inadequate required setbacks (drive‑through lanes proposed at about 10 feet from the southern property line vs. the 20‑foot standard), and potentially insufficient…