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Planning Commission approves Rogue Collective conditional use permit for small event space
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Summary
The Newport Beach Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing Rogue Collective to host events in a 750‑square‑foot portion of an existing office building, subject to parking, noise and operational conditions including limits on dancing and case‑by‑case alcohol permits.
The Newport Beach Planning Commission on April 23 unanimously approved a conditional use permit that allows Rogue Collective to operate an assembly and meeting facility in a 750‑square‑foot section of an existing professional office building at Production Place.
Oscar Rodosco of the city’s planning division told commissioners the proposal (PA2023‑0103) would create an assembly area within the building and rely on 17 on‑site parking spaces plus five off‑site spaces to meet the 22‑space requirement under the zoning code. Staff described conditions limiting hours (weeknights 5 p.m.–11 p.m.; Fridays–Sundays later hours as proposed), controlling noise through closure of windows and doors except for egress, prohibiting dancing and allowing alcohol only as an incidental service under the state daily license process overseen by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The CUP would allow events such as workshops, classes, networking functions, nonprofit fundraisers and similar gatherings. Applicant Matt Barnes, founder and CEO of Rogue United and Rogue Collective, said the permit would provide clarity after a 2024 city cease‑and‑desist and allow the business to recover revenue and membership. "We're just a small business," Barnes said, urging the commission to approve the permit so Rogue Collective can resume community‑oriented events.
A tenant, Kara Stewart of Wondermarks, spoke in support, saying the venue supports microbusinesses, nonprofit gatherings and creative programming that benefit Newport Beach. Jim Mosher, a commenter, urged that the conditions include a clear maximum attendance number rather than a square‑foot calculation and noted the venue’s website at one point advertised a larger rentable area and up to 150 attendees. Planning staff responded that occupancy is set by building and fire code and that, for the 750‑square‑foot assembly area, the building‑code estimate was 150 occupants but the final limit will be determined during the building permit review and confirmed by building and fire officials.
Commission discussion focused on compatibility with nearby residential uses, parking, and enforceability of noise limits. A commissioner moved to approve the project as drafted; Chair Harris seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The approval includes the conditions described in staff’s recommendation: adherence to building and fire code occupancy limits, compliance with zoning noise standards and use of on‑ and off‑site parking to meet the 22‑space requirement. The commission’s action does not itself issue alcohol permits; those remain subject to the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control on an event‑by‑event basis.
The applicant and staff said they will proceed with building‑permit reviews and related compliance checks required before larger events can occur.
