Planning commission unanimously recommends conditional use permit for on‑sale liquor and outdoor seating at 1385 Robert Street South

The West St. Paul Planning Commission voted 8–0 on May 19 to recommend that the City Council approve a conditional use permit allowing an on‑sale liquor establishment and outdoor patio seating at 1385 Robert Street South.

City Planner Melissa Houtsma told commissioners that prior and current restaurant occupants have been operating with an on‑sale liquor license but that a formal conditional use permit was not on file; the current application, she said, would bring the property into zoning compliance and authorize the proposed outdoor seating area. The applicant’s representative, Roberto Grand, came forward to answer commissioner questions about the seating configuration and operations.

The commission opened a public hearing on the application at 6:49 p.m.; no members of the public spoke and no callers participated, and the hearing was closed at 6:50 p.m. Commissioner Brooklyn Petrich moved to recommend approval as recommended by staff; Commissioner Mikael Garland seconded. The motion carried on an 8–0 vote (Rebecca Foote, Maria Franzmeier, Kyle Hoff, Mikael Garland, Liz Gillen, Tim Grimes, Lance LaRue, Brooklyn Petrich voted yes). The recommendation will be forwarded to the West St. Paul City Council for final action.

Commissioners also discussed building and zoning code considerations for outdoor dining exterior enclosures, including emergency exit gates and primary access through the building, as part of their general business. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.