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Planning commission approves Black Rock Coffee Bar drive‑thru at Veil Ranch Town Square, 5‑0
Summary
The commission approved PA25‑000090, a proposed 735‑sq‑ft drive‑thru coffee shop at Veil Ranch Town Square, with staff noting 10 required parking spaces, 14 drive‑thru queue spaces and design changes to match nearby Spanish‑style buildings; commissioners cited stacking and landscaping mitigations before the 5‑0 vote.
The Temecula Planning Commission voted 5‑0 on April 1 to approve a modification to the Veil Ranch Town Square development plan to allow a 735‑square‑foot coffee shop with a double‑lane drive‑thru (PA25‑000090).
Planning staff described the project site at the southwest corner of Temecula Parkway and Melon Veil Road, noting the parcel is 0.94 acres and zoned to allow restaurant uses in the Veil Ranch specific plan. Staff said zoning and development standards are met: the municipal code requires 10 parking spaces (which the proposal provides) and a minimum six‑vehicle drive‑thru queue (staff reported 14 queue spaces provided).
The design presented to the commission uses a Spanish‑style palette and materials chosen to be compatible with adjacent retail buildings. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions of approval, including standard building, landscaping and circulation requirements. The project was found categorically exempt from further environmental review under the city’s in‑fill exemptions.
Commission discussion focused on circulation and stacking with neighboring drive‑thrus and the existing express car wash, photometric lighting plans and patio seating. Staff said the applicant submitted a stacking/queue analysis and staff coordinated with public works and the city’s traffic consultant; staff concluded the Black Rock queue is expected to be contained within the driveway for 98% of peak conditions observed in comparable locations. Landscaping and staggered plantings were presented as measures to mitigate potential headlight glare on Temecula Parkway.
Tony Pada, Vice President of Development for Black Rock Coffee Bar, told commissioners the operator plans operational controls (line busting, temporary staff on the lot during peaks and mobile point‑of‑sale options) and estimated three to five employees per shift. He said Black Rock operates company‑owned stores in multiple states and will manage stacking with trained staff.
After discussion, Commissioner Solis moved to approve PA25‑000090 as presented; the motion was seconded and carried 5‑0. The chair welcomed the operator to the community.
