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Planning commission approves LaCasa Verde de Granada outdoor display permit, grants parking waivers
Summary
On April 8, 2026 the San Clemente Planning Commission unanimously approved a minor conditional use permit for LaCasa Verde de Granada (130 Avanita Granada), granting three parking waivers for up to 800 sq ft of outdoor display and removing a prescriptive front‑tree landscaping requirement; the permit becomes effective after the April 21 council meeting unless pulled.
The San Clemente Planning Commission voted unanimously April 8 to approve a minor conditional use permit allowing LaCasa Verde de Granada to maintain up to 800 square feet of outdoor retail display at 130 Avanita Granada and to grant three parking waivers that accommodate that display.
Assistant Planner Laura Corey told the commission that “zoning code section 17.282110 governs the outdoor display” requirement and that the proposed outdoor display would ordinarily require two additional parking spaces beyond the two already on site. Corey recommended approval with conditions after staff and the development management team concluded the minimum standards could be met.
Applicant Amy Walstrom, who identified herself as an owner and operator of LaCasa Verde de Granada, said the driveway is now cleared and that the business will keep two on‑site customer spaces: “the driveway is completely cleared now. So, that is our two parking spots that we will have available for customers,” she said, and described the shop’s long family history and its 2009 facade work that restored the Spanish colonial revival structure.
During public comment three neighbors and a historical‑society representative spoke in support. Larry Colbertson, for the San Clemente Historical Society, said the building is well maintained and urged approval. Amanda, who said she spoke in favor of LaCasa Verde at the earlier zoning‑administrator hearing, asked staff to correct the report language that suggested there had been public opposition at that hearing.
Commissioners debated whether to require two on‑site spaces to remain free of display. Several commissioners raised safety and precedent concerns — including backing across the sidewalk and whether granting waivers for a converted residential property would set a precedent for similar requests — while staff said providing two additional spaces would require demolition of historic fabric. Commissioner McCannon summarized a safety rationale for flexibility, saying, “I personally don't see the value of maintaining two parking spaces in front of the home,” and the commission ultimately modified staff conditions.
The commission struck the prescriptive landscape condition requiring a new street‑front tree (condition 1.9), altered the parking condition to require one on‑site parking space remain free of display, and approved three parking waivers so the applicant can use up to 800 square feet of outdoor display consistent with the revised condition. Chair announced the permit will take effect after the April 21 city council meeting unless that council hearing pulls the item; if not pulled the applicant may file for the permit the next day.
The commission recorded the action as a unanimous decision; staff will finalize the resolution language for the council packet and the approved conditions of approval.
What happens next: The permit and revised conditions will be included in the April 21 city council agenda; if the council does not pull the item the applicant may apply for building/encroachment permits and proceed under the approved conditions.
