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Planning commission approves 202 W. Santa Fe use permit with noise controls and six‑month review
Summary
The Planning Commission approved use permit UP 2026-05 for a two‑story food hall/restaurant and Type 47 ABC license at 202 West Santa Fe Avenue with conditions including fixed seating, required food service during alcohol hours, noise controls and a six‑month review; nearby residents had objected to late hours and inadequate Spanish-language notice.
The Placentia Planning Commission on a recorded vote approved a use permit (UP 2026-05) and adopted Resolution PC 2026-10 allowing a two-story food hall and restaurant at 202 West Santa Fe Avenue, including a request for a Type 47 ABC license for on-site sale and consumption of beer, wine and spirits.
Staff planning manager Andrew Gonzales told the commission the permit request included accessory live entertainment and late-night operating hours the applicant had initially requested as 2 a.m., but staff recommended operational limits and conditions designed to prevent the space from becoming a nightclub. "The request before you tonight is a use permit," Gonzales said, and staff incorporated ABC compliance, noise-management conditions, a requirement that food service accompany alcohol service, and a six-month review after commencement to reassess conditions and address any issues.
Nearby resident Thelma Ramirez, who lives adjacent to the building, urged the commission to reduce hours and tighten mitigation. "As a mother of young children and a teenager, I'm deeply concerned about the impact this project may have in the quality of life, safety, and well-being of my family," Ramirez said, citing worries about late‑night noise, parking and safety. Staff told the commission roughly 200 mailed notices went to property owners within 300 feet and that the project was being recommended as exempt under CEQA guidelines (noted in the record as '15.01' for existing facilities); a notice of exemption will be filed with Orange County if the commission's approval stands.
Commissioners asked about occupancy, parking and noise attenuation; the applicant said the upstairs restaurant would seat about 100–150 and downstairs about 50–80, and confirmed both floors have kitchens and management would install required controls. Commissioner Evans moved to approve the resolution and use permit; the motion passed on roll call with Commissioners Davis, Guerrero, Evans and Chair Perez voting yes and three members absent. The commission instructed the applicant to provide additional information within 10 days and to coordinate with neighboring tenants and residents on mitigation and communications.
The approval includes the staff‑recommended conditions: fixed tables and seating to prevent a dance floor, mandatory food service during alcohol hours, sound‑attenuation requirements and ABC compliance; staff will return after six months of alcohol service for a compliance review and may refine conditions or pursue revocation for noncompliance.
