Planning commission approves Rodeo Cafes alcohol permit with 9 p.m. cutoff

The Jurupa Valley Planning Commission voted 3-0 to approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 25009, allowing on-site sales of beer and wine (Type 41) at the existing Rodeo Cafe, located at 8800 Lamanite Avenue. Commissioners also added a condition limiting operating hours Monday–Friday to 6 a.m.–9 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday to 7 a.m.–9 p.m., and required no alcohol sales after 9:00 p.m.

Miriam Machado, an associate planner for the city, told commissioners that the applicant is requesting a CUP to allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption within the existing 8,000-square-foot restaurant and that staff found the project consistent with the general plan and municipal code. "The applicant is requesting the approval of a conditional use permit to allow the sales of beer and wine for on-site consumption within the existing 8,000 square foot restaurant," Machado said, and staff recommended adoption of Resolution PC-16 and a CEQA categorical exemption under Guidelines section 15301 for existing facilities.

During deliberations, staff and commissioners discussed the potential for expanded hours and whether a condition limiting alcohol sales would be appropriate to prevent late-night problems. Mr. Perez, representing city staff, summarized the recommended condition: "no alcohol sales shall be conducted after 9PM," which the applicant indicated he would accept to preserve future flexibility for non-nightlife dining operations. Applicant representative Steve Rawlins affirmed the businesss family-restaurant focus and told the commission his client supports staffs recommendation: "we agree with your staff's recommendation for approval."

The motion to adopt Resolution PC-16 approving CUP 25009 passed by a 3-0 vote. The commission also made a CEQA finding consistent with Guidelines section 15301 for existing facilities. Next steps are ministerial: the permit will be finalized consistent with the resolution and the added conditions.