Planning Commission recommends conditional-use permit for restaurant/bar on Great Falls Highway

The Lancaster County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of CU20261423, a conditional-use permit that would allow a restaurant and bar at 1949–1951 Great Falls Highway.

Staff told commissioners the application met the application procedures in chapter 5 and the additional Unified Development Ordinance provisions in chapter 9, and recommended approval. "The TRC has vetted this particular case and during initial site assessments with approval contingent upon this PC meeting," staff said during the presentation. During questions, a commissioner asked whether the restaurant’s proposed bar would have a specific distance requirement from the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall across the highway; staff and the commission said they found no special distance requirement in the UDO. Applicant Gary Agusty told the commission, "I've actually already obtained the ABC license and it's on contingency, for a 9 month holdover." (Gary Agusty, applicant)

Commissioners also asked about buffering for nearby houses and whether outdoor seating could create noise impacts; staff and others pointed to existing natural buffers and site constraints. After discussion a commissioner moved to recommend approval; by roll call the motion passed and the commission referred the recommendation to county council for a final decision. The commission recorded the approval vote as 4–0 and reminded the applicant he would be notified of the council hearing date and time.