HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM 2B - Alana Bar and Tapas - CUP-2024-0007
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 11, 2024 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: A REQUEST BY LAS CASUELAS VIEJAS, INC. FOR THE APPROVAL
OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A 960-SQURE-FOOT
BAR/COCKTAIL LOUNGE AT 370 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE (APN:
513-081-021), ZONE CBD, SECTION 15 (CASE CUP-2024-0007) (NK).
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
This is a request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the operation of a
new 960-square-foot bar, Alana - Bar and Tapas, within a 3,860-square-foot existing two-
story mixed-use building. The business is proposing to conduct indoor live entertainment
(DJ) as a part of the bar operation.
ISSUES:
1. There is no on-site parking available at the project site; the proposed bar would
require nine (9) off-street parking spaces.
2. A lack of official records (e.g. permits, licenses, land use entitlements, in-lieu off-
street parking payment records) which provide the background information of the
property in terms of land use and off-street parking.
3. The application proposes to conduct indoor live entertainment (DJ); however, the
project site is a mixed-use building and there is a residential unit leased by the
applicant immediately above the bar.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission adopt the attached draft resolution and approve the project
subject to the conditions of approval recommended by staff (Attachment 3).
SCOPE OF REVIEW:
1. The Planning Commission shall review the Conditional Use Permit (Case CUP-
2024-0007) for conformance to the criteria listed in PSZC Section 94.02.00(B)(6).
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 2 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
The owner of the business is Las Casuelas Viejas, Inc. A copy of the Integrity Disclosure
Form is attached to this staff report (Attachment 5).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The applicant is proposing to operate a new 960-square-foot bar within an existing two
(2)-story mixed-use building which is 3,860 square feet in size. The proposed bar
operation includes indoor live entertainment (DJ) on certain days of the week.
Site Setting:
The project site is a 0.25-acre parcel in Downtown, which is developed with two (2)
buildings. The buildings were constructed in 1935 (376-380 North Palm Canyon Drive)
and 1944 (370 North Palm Canyon Drive). The dimensions of the lot are 145.5 feet by
75 feet, and the site is conforming to the current development standards in terms of the
minimum lot dimension and size requirements of the CBD Zone. Today, the site is fully
built out, and there is no on-site parking, a trash enclosure, or a loading space available
at the site which would typically be required for a standard commercial development. The
site is accessible via North Palm Canyon Drive where the frontage of the building is
located. An aerial view of the project site is available on page 3 of this staff report, and it
is also attached as Attachment 2.
The proposed bar will be located within the 3,860-SF south building addressed 370 North
Palm Canyon Drive. The building is a mixed-use building, which is designed with
commercial space on the first floor and a residential unit on the second floor. According
to the applicant, the rest of the commercial space within the building is currently
unoccupied.
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 3 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
Aerial View of the Property (APN: 513-081-021)
Street-Facing/West Elevation of the Project Site
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 4 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
Bar:
The proposed bar will be located within the street-facing commercial space on the ground
floor at 370 North Palm Canyon Drive, which was previously occupied by restaurants and
art galleries. The size of the proposed bar is 960 square feet, and the space will
accommodate a bar counter table and seats, tables and chairs in the main service area,
as well as a storage space, a utility room, and a restroom. The main floor will
accommodate 26 seats (20 for tables and 6 bar seats), and the business will employ five
(5) staff members which include two (2) bartenders and two (2) cocktail waitresses. No
outdoor beverage service, outdoor live entertainment, or outdoor sound amplification is
proposed. As a part of the bar operation, the applicant is proposing to conduct indoor live
entertainment (DJ) on certain days of the week. The proposed hours of operation are
summarized in the table below:
Days of the
Week
Hours of Operation Special Service/Activities
Monday Closed
Tuesday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Thursday 4:00 PM – Midnight Live DJ Performance: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday 4:00 PM – Midnight Live DJ Performance: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 4:00 PM – Midnight Live DJ Performance: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday Closed
Location of the Proposed Bar
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 5 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
Proposed Bar Floor Plan (370 North Palm Canyon Drive)
There is no existing or proposed kitchen within the bar space, and the business will offer
food items that will be prepared at the adjacent restaurant located at 368 North Palm
Canyon Drive (Las Casuelas Original) as a part of the bar operation. The bar operation
will require a liquor license issued by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Control (ABC), and the applicant has initiated the license acquisition process with the
agency.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Related Relevant City Actions
11/03/1998 Planning Services issued a Land Use Permit for a restaurant (No
business name or permit number is shown on the permit).
11/05/2001
Planning Services issued a Land Use Permit (Transfer of Ownership)
for Crossroad Café, a full-service restaurant (indoor and outdoor
seating).
08/09/2004 Planning Services issued a Land Use Permit (LUP-04-22) for
Crosswalk Café (indoor and outdoor seating).
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 6 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
Related Relevant City Actions
01/28/2009 Planning Services issued a Land Use Permit (LUP-09-012 – Transfer
of Ownership) for Spunky Monkey Café (indoor and outdoor seating).
03/25/2010 Planning Services issued a Land Use Permit (LUP-10-012 – Transfer
of Ownership) for Spunky Monkey Café (indoor and outdoor seating).
Related Code Compliance Records (Last 5 Years)
05/13/2022 Code compliance citation for unauthorized building modifications
(CE220261). Status: Closed (10/31/2022).
04/12/2023 Code Compliance citation for a vacant building boarding permit
requirement (CE 230206). Status: Closed (06/12/2023).
08/14/2024 Code Compliance issued a courtesy notice for graffiti removal (Case
PM-0824-0311). Status: In progress (as of 08/20/2024).
Related Building Permits
08/03/2011 City issued a building permit for a new “single-family residential
dwelling” for “380” North Palm Canyon Drive (C29921).
04/24/2023 City issued a Vacant Building Boarding Permit (Building & Safety
Permit Number: 2023-1632). The permit expired on 07/23/2023.
07/23/2024
Building Permit (BLDC-2024-0888) has been applied for tenant
improvement for Alana Bar & Tapas. Status: Pending (as of
08/20/2024).
Related Business Licenses
11/11/2011 City issued a license for Desert Artist (Art & Jewelry Shop).
10/03/2012 City issued a license for Desert Painter (Art Gallery).
02/14/2023 City issued a license for Jealous Walls (Art Gallery & Gift Shop).
Neighborhood Meeting/Neighborhood Notice
08/30/2024
Notice of public hearing mailed to addresses within 500-feet of the site,
notifying that the subject application would be considered by the
Planning Commission at a public hearing on September 11, 2024.
08/30/2024 Notice emailed to Neighborhood Organizations within one (1) mile of
the project site.
09/01/2024 Notice of public hearing published in the local newspaper.
Most Recent Change of Ownership
11/14/2023 MK Palm Springs Investments, LLC
Field Check
08/19/2024
08/26/2024
Staff conducted a site visit to confirm the site’s conditions.
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 7 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
Existing Street Improvement Conditions
Street Name Travel Lanes Curb & Gutter Sidewalk
North Palm Canyon Drive Y Y Y
Site Area
Net Acres 0.25 Acre (10,912.5 SF)
Surrounding
Property
Existing Land Use
Per Chapter 92
Existing General
Plan
Designation
Existing Zoning
Designation
Subject Property Mixed-Use Building
CBD (Central
Business
District)
CBD (Central Business
District) / D (Downtown
Parking Combining
Zone) / R (Resort
Overlay Zone)
North
Vacant Commercial
Building (376-380 N.
Palm Canyon
Dr.)/Retail (The
Michael Weems
Collection)
CBD CBD/D/R
South Restaurant (Las
Casuelas Original) CBD CBD/D/R
East Retail (Mojave Flea
Trading Post) CBD CBD/D/R
West
Commercial Building
(General Telephone
Building)
CBD CBD/D/R
ANALYSIS:
Conformance with the Zoning Code:
The proposed bar use is permitted in the CBD Zone subject to a Conditional Use Permit
(CUP) per Palm Springs Zoning Code (PSZC) Section 92.09.01(D)(3). The applicant is
proposing indoor live entertainment (DJ) as a part of the bar operation, which is included
in the purview of this CUP application review. The proposed project is consistent with the
intent of the Resort Combining (R) Zone, which encourages, “…the development of
accommodations and services for these visitors while allowing supporting and
complementary land uses” (PSZC Section 92.25.00.A).
Off-Street Parking Requirements:
As stated earlier in this staff report, the project site is fully built out and there is no off-
street parking available today. Originally developed in 1935 and 1944, there are few City
records available relating to this property, and there are no records or permits available
which tell the history of the site’s off-street parking, including where the previous tenants
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 8 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
and business patrons parked their vehicles. Although the site is located within the
Downtown Parking Combining (D) Zone, the site was developed prior to the
establishment of the D Zone in 1992, and prior to the parking requirements of the current
zoning code.
The Land Use Permits (LUPs) and business license history show that the proposed bar
space was previously occupied by restaurants between late 1990s and early 2000s and
likely prior to that. The restaurant use was later replaced by art galleries until 2023. The
previously issued LUPs for the restaurants do not provide any information pertaining to
off-street parking conformance, and there are no documents available which verify how
off-street parking analyses were performed when the previous uses were established at
the site and the changes of uses occurred. Based on the current off-street parking
requirements, the code-required minimum off-street parking spaces for the previous
restaurants, based on permit information, would range from 5 to 10. The art galleries
would be required to provide 5 spaces. The off-street parking requirements were
calculated at the ratio stated in the table below:
Code Section Use Required # of Parking Spaces
PSZC Section
92.26.00(C)(4)
Restaurant 1 space/ 4 seats (indoor seating) /
1 space / 8 seats (outdoor seating)
PSZC Section
93.06.00(D)(11)
Art Gallery 1 space / 500 SF, Minimum 5 Spaces Required,
plus 1 space for every company vehicle
Notwithstanding the foregoing, and pursuant to PSZC Section 93.06.00(B)(3), provision
of additional parking spaces is not required for a new use when a site’s off-street parking
is deemed legal nonconforming. The proposed bar will be fully located within an existing
building space, and there is no physical expansion of the building proposed. There are
few records available on City file pertaining to the land uses that occurred at the project
site in the early years; however, the tenant space was occupied by service-oriented
businesses that are similar to a bar use throughout its history. According to the applicant,
the buildings at the property are currently unoccupied except for the new bar space.
There is street parking available on both sides of North Palm Canyon Drive, and there
are a few public parking lots available within a walking distance from the site, one of which
is a public parking lot located across the street approximately 80 feet away from the
project site and accommodates approximately 45 vehicles (Attachment 6). Additionally,
given the downtown location, some of the prospective patrons may take an alternative
transportation method (e.g. Uber, Lyft, taxi, rideshare) considering the nature of the
business. For the reasons stated above, staff concludes that the site’s off-street parking
meets the intent of the requirements of the zoning code and additional off-street parking
is not required for the proposed project.
Indoor Live Entertainment:
As noted earlier in this staff report, the project is proposing to conduct indoor live
entertainment (DJ) Thursday through Saturday between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The
proposed bar space is located immediately below a residential dwelling unit, which is also
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 9 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
leased by the applicant. Considering the proximity of the restaurant to the residential
dwelling unit, staff is recommending the following condition of approval (PLN 8) relating
to the proposed indoor live entertainment.
PLN 7. Indoor Live Entertainment. Permitted indoor live entertainment shall
be limited to Thursday through Saturday between 7:00PM and 11:00 PM.
All doors and windows shall be closed during the performance. The activity
shall fully conform to the City’s Noise Ordinance regulations (PSMC
Chapter 11.74), and the business shall monitor the noise level during the
performance.
FINDINGS – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT:
PSZC Section 94.02.00(B)(6) requires the approval authority to evaluate the application
and make findings for conformance to the five criteria. Staff has listed these findings and
provided an analysis of the project’s compliance below.
Criteria and Findings [PSZC 94.02.00(B)(6)] Compliance
1. That the use applied for at the location set forth in the application
is properly one for which a conditional use permit is authorized by
this Zoning Code.
Y
A bar as a primary use is permitted in the CBD Zone subject to a
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) per Palm Springs Zoning Code
(PSZC) Section 92.09.01(D)(3). The proposed bar operation is
inclusive of indoor live entertainment. Therefore, the proposed
project meets this requirement.
2. That the use is necessary or desirable for the development of the
community, is in harmony with the various elements or objectives
of the general plan, and is not detrimental to existing uses or to
future uses specifically permitted in the zone in which the proposed
use is to be located.
Y
The site’s General Plan land use designation is Central Business
District (CBD). The area is “the main activity center and cultural
core of the community” and various commercial activities, including
entertainment, are encouraged in the area (Palm Springs 2007
General Plan, page 2-7). Located in Downtown, the bar will service
both visitors and local residents. This is consistent with the
objectives of the General Plan, which aim for “…a balancing act of
land uses that accommodate visitor serving uses while preserving
and enhancing the quality of life of its residents” (Palm Springs
2007 General Plan, page 2-19). Further, the proposed use will
expand the available services and products that the area has to
offer. Hence, the proposed project meets this finding.
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 10 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
Criteria and Findings [PSZC 94.02.00(B)(6)] Compliance
3. That the site for the intended use is adequate in size and shape to
accommodate such use, including yards, setbacks, walls or
fences, landscaping and other features required in order to adjust
such use to those existing or permitted future uses of land in the
neighborhood.
Y
The project site is conforming to the minimum lot and dimension
requirements of the CBD Zone. The project site is a part of the
densely developed commercial building corridor along North Palm
Canyon Drive. Additionally, the site is directly accessible from the
street sidewalk on North Palm Springs, which is a busy pedestrian
corridor. The site is adjacent to a restaurant to the south, and it
was previously occupied by food and beverage services which
indicates that the proposed use is appropriate for the site and its
vicinity.
4. That the site for the proposed use relates to the streets and
highways properly designed and improved to carry the type and
quantity of traffic to be generated by the proposed use.
Y
The project site is located on North Palm Canyon, which is a major
thoroughfare with four (4) lanes. The adjacent street and sidewalk
are improved, and it is adequate to accommodate the amount of
traffic which is expected to be generated by the proposed bar.
5. That the conditions to be imposed and shown on the approved site
plan are deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety and
general welfare and may include minor modification of the zone’s
property development standards.
Y
The recommended conditions of approval are appropriate for the
proposed use to ensure the safety and welfare of the general public
and fully conform to the applicable development standards. Such
conditions include, but are not limited to, the requirement of a
security plan imposed by the Police Department (PLN 11),
regulations relating to indoor live entertainment (PLN 7), and
conformance with the ABC license requirements and operational
regulations (PLN 1).
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The proposed development is considered a “project” pursuant to the terms of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and has been determined to be
categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301(a) of the CEQA Guidelines (Class 1,
Existing Facilities). The project may involve minor interior alterations such as partitions,
plumbing, and electrical conveyance with no expansion to the floor area of the existing
building.
Planning Commission Staff Report
September 11, 2024 – Page 11 of 11
Case CUP-2024-0007
CONCLUSION:
The project proposes to operate a bar within an existing mixed-use building. The
proposed bar operation includes indoor live entertainment (DJ), and the space
immediately above the bar is a residential unit, which is being leased by the applicant.
Mixed-use buildings are permitted by right in the CBD Zone, and potential land use
conflicts are mitigated by implementing a recommended condition of approval, PLN 7,
which requires adherence to the City’s noise ordinance regulations and all windows and
doors to be closed during the indoor live performance. Originally developed in 1935 and
1944, the project site is fully built out and there is no off-street parking available.
Considering the historic and current use of the buildings at the site, the site’s proximity to
public parking lots, and the nature of the proposed business, staff concludes that the
proposed bar use does not require additional off-street parking. Since the proposed
project is generally consistent with the goals and objectives of the General Plan Land Use
Element and the intent of the zoning code for the CBD Zone, staff recommends that the
Planning Commission approve the proposed project subject to the conditions of approval
attached to the draft resolution (Attachment #3).
PREPARED BY: Noriko Kikuchi, AICP, Associate Planner
REVIEWD BY: Edward Robertson, Principal Planner
REVIEWD BY: David Newell, AICP, Assistant Director of Planning
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Vicinity Map
2. Aerial Map
3. Draft Resolution and Conditions of Approval (Exhibit A)
4. Justification Letter
5. Public Integrity Disclosure Form
6. Public Parking Location Map
7. Site Photographs
8. Plans
Department of Planning Services
Vicinity Map
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CUP-2024-0007
370 North Palm Canyon Drive (APN: 513-081-021)
Project Site North Palm Canyon Drive
RESOLUTION NO. __________
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING CASE NO. CUP-2024-0007,
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP), TO ALLOW LAS
CASUELAS VIEJAS, INC. TO OPERATE A 960-
SQUARE-FOOT BAR AT 370 NORTH PALM CANYON
DRIVE (APN: 513-081-021), ZONE CBD, SECTION 15
(CASE NO. CUP-2024-0007).
THE PLANNING COMMISSION FINDS AND DETERMINES AS FOLLOWS:
A. Las Casuelas Viejas, Inc. (“Applicant”) has filed a Conditional Use Permit
application, Case No. CUP-2024-0007, with the City pursuant to Section 94.02.00 of the
Zoning Code for a new bar located at 370 North Palm Canyon Drive (APN: 513-081-021).
B. Pursuant to Palm Springs Zoning Code Section 92.09.01(D)(3), bars and cocktail
lounges as a primary use in the CBD (Central Business District) Zone is permitted subject
to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The bar operation includes indoor live entertainment
on certain days of the week, which is included in the purview of the CUP application
review.
C. Notice of public hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Springs
to consider Case No. CUP-2024-0007, was given in accordance with applicable law.
D. On September 11, 2024, a public hearing on the application was held by the
Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law.
E. The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 of Title 14, Chapter 3 of the California Code of
Regulations (Class 1, Existing Facilities). The project may involve minor interior
alterations such as partitions, plumbing, and electrical conveyance with no expansion to
the floor area. Hence, the project does not require any additional environmental
assessment and the project is exempt from further CEQA analysis.
F. The Planning Commission has carefully reviewed and considered all of the
evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including, but not limited
to, the staff report, and all written and oral testimony presented.
G. In accordance with Section 94.02.00 (Conditional Use Permit) of the Zoning Code,
the Planning Commission finds as follows:
Planning Commission Resolution No. September 11, 2024
Case CUP-2024-0007 Page 2 of 3
a. That the use applied for at the location set forth in the application is
properly one for which a conditional use permit is authorized by this Zoning
Code;
A bar as a primary use is permitted in the CBD Zone subject to a Conditional
Use Permit (CUP) per Palm Springs Zoning Code (PSZC) Section
92.09.01(D)(3). The proposed bar operation is inclusive of indoor live
entertainment. Therefore, the proposed project meets this requirement.
b. That the use is necessary or desirable for the development of the
community, is in harmony with the various elements or objectives of the
general plan, and is not detrimental to existing uses or to future uses
specifically permitted in the zone in which the proposed use is to be located;
The site’s General Plan land use designation is Central Business District
(CBD). The area is “the main activity center and cultural core of the
community” and various commercial activities, including entertainment, are
encouraged in the area (Palm Springs 2007 General Plan, page 2-7).
Located in Downtown, the bar will service both visitors and local residents.
This is consistent with the objectives of the General Plan, which aim for “…a
balancing act of land uses that accommodate visitor serving uses while
preserving and enhancing the quality of life of its residents” (Palm Springs
2007 General Plan, page 2-19). Further, the proposed use will expand the
available services and products that the area has to offer. Hence, the
proposed project meets this finding.
c. That the site for the intended use is adequate in size and shape to
accommodate such use, including yards, setbacks, walls or fences,
landscaping and other features required in order to adjust such use to those
existing or permitted future uses of land in the neighborhood;
The project site is conforming to the minimum lot and dimension
requirements of the CBD Zone. The project site is a part of the densely
developed commercial building corridor along North Palm Canyon Drive.
Additionally, the site is directly accessible from the street sidewalk on North
Palm Springs, which is a busy pedestrian corridor. The site is adjacent to
a restaurant to the south, and it was previously occupied by food and
beverage services which indicates that the proposed use is appropriate for
the site and its vicinity.
d. That the site for the proposed use relates to streets and highways
properly designed and improved to carry the type and quantity of traffic to
be generated by the proposed use;
The project site is located on North Palm Canyon, which is a major
thoroughfare with four (4) lanes. The adjacent street and sidewalk are
Planning Commission Resolution No. September 11, 2024
Case CUP-2024-0007 Page 3 of 3
improved, and it is adequate to accommodate the amount of traffic which is
expected to be generated by the proposed bar.
e. That the conditions to be imposed and shown on the approved site
plan are deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety and general
welfare and may include minor modification of the zone’s property
development standards.
The conditions of approval are appropriate for the proposed use to ensure
the safety and welfare of the general public and fully conform to the
applicable development standards. Such conditions include, but are not
limited to, the requirement of a security plan imposed by the Police
Department (PLN 11), regulations relating to indoor live entertainment (PLN
7), and conformance with the ABC license requirements and operational
regulations (PLN 1).
THE PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLVES:
That the findings and determinations reflected above are true and correct and are
incorporated by this reference herein as the cause and foundation for the action taken by
and through this Resolution. Based upon the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby
approves Case No. CUP-2024-0007, Conditional Use Permit, to allow Las Casuelas
Viejas, Inc. to operate a 960-square-foot bar at 370 North Palm Canyon Drive, subject to
the conditions set forth in the attached Exhibit A.
ADOPTED this 11th day of September, 2024.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
_________________________________
Christopher Hadwin
Director of Planning Services
RESOLUTION NO.____
EXHIBIT A
Case CUP-2024-0007
Alana Bar & Tapas – Las Casulelas Viejas, Inc.
370 North Palm Canyon Drive
(APN: 513-081-021)
September 11, 2024
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Before final acceptance of the project, all conditions listed below shall be completed to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer, the Director of Planning Services, the Director of
Building and Safety, the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief or their designee, depending on
which department recommended the condition.
Any agreements, easements or covenants required to be entered into shall be in a form
approved by the City Attorney.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONDITIONS
ADM 1. Project Description. Except as modified by the conditions below, this
approval authorizes the operation of a 960-squre-foot bar within an existing
mixed-use building located at 370 North Palm Canyon Drive.
ADM 2. Reference Documents. The interior improvements and operation shall be in
accordance with the plan on file in the Department of Planning Services
except as modified by the conditions below.
ADM 3. Conform to all Codes and Regulations. The project shall conform to the
conditions contained herein, all applicable regulations of the Palm Springs
Zoning Ordinance, Municipal Code, and any other City County, State and
Federal Codes, ordinances, resolutions and laws that may apply.
ADM 4. Minor Deviations. The Director of Planning or designee may approve minor
deviations to the project description and approved plans in accordance with
the provisions of the Palm Springs Zoning Code.
ADM 5. Indemnification. The owner, lessee, applicant and successors and assigns
(collectively "applicant") shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City
of Palm Springs, its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or
proceeding against the City of Palm Springs or its agents, officers or
employees to attach, set aside, void or annul, an approval of the City of Palm
Resolution No. _____
Conditions of Approval Page 2 of 5
CUP-2024-0007 – Alana Bar & Tapas September 11, 2024
Springs, its legislative body, advisory agencies, or administrative officers
concerning Case CUP-2023-0007. The City of Palm Springs will promptly
notify the applicant of any such claim, action, or proceeding against the City
of Palm Springs and the applicant will either undertake defense of the matter
and pay the City's associated legal costs or will advance funds to pay for
defense of the matter by the City Attorney. If the City of Palm Springs fails to
promptly notify the applicant of any such claim, action or proceeding or fails to
cooperate fully in the defense, the applicant shall not, thereafter, be
responsible to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless the City of Palm Springs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City retains the right to settle or abandon
the matter without the applicant's consent but should it do so, the City shall
waive the indemnification herein, except, the City's decision to settle or
abandon a matter following an adverse judgment or failure to appeal, shall not
cause a waiver of the indemnification rights herein.
ADM 6. Time Limit on Commencement of Use. The time limit for commencement of
the use authorized by this Conditional Use Permit shall be two (2) years from
the effective date of approval. A conditional use permit shall become effective
after an elapsed period of fifteen (15) days from the date of the decision by
the Planning Commission authorizing the permit.
ADM 7. Right to Appeal. Decisions of an administrative officer or agency of the City
of Palm Springs may be appealed in accordance with Municipal Code
Chapter 2.05. Permits will not be issued until the appeal period has
concluded.
ADM 8. Cause No Disturbance. The owner shall monitor walkways and adjoining
properties and shall take all necessary measures to ensure that customers do
not loiter, create noise, litter, or cause any disturbances while on-site. The
owner and operator shall ensure that at closing time, all customers leave the
property promptly and that the property is clean and secure before the
owner/operator leaves the premises. The Police Chief, based upon
complaints and/or other cause, may require on-site security officers to ensure
compliance with all City, State, and Federal laws and conditions of approval.
Failure to comply with these conditions may result in revocation of this permit,
temporary business closure or criminal prosecution.
ADM 9. Grounds for Revocation. Non-compliance with any of the conditions of this
approval or with City codes and ordinances, State laws; any valid citizen
complaints or policing and safety problems (not limited to excessive alcohol
consumption, noise, disturbances, signs, etc) regarding the operation of the
establishment; as determined by the Chief of Police or the Director of Building
and Safety, may result in proceedings to revoke the Conditional Use Permit.
In addition, violations of the City Codes and Ordinances will result in
enforcement actions which may include citations, arrest, temporary business
closure, or revocation of this permit in accordance with the law.
Resolution No. _____
Conditions of Approval Page 3 of 5
CUP-2024-0007 – Alana Bar & Tapas September 11, 2024
ADM 10. Comply with City Noise Ordinance. This use and property shall comply with
the provisions of Chapter 11.74 (Noise Ordinance) of the Palm Springs
Municipal Code. Violations may result in revocation of this Conditional Use
Permit (CUP).
Ordinance Time of Day Ordinance dBA Limits
7:00 AM to 6:00 PM 60
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM 55
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM 50
ADM 11. Conditional Use Permit Availability. The applicant shall provide a copy of this
Conditional Use Permit to all buyers and potential buyers.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT CONDITIONS
PLN 1. Serving of Alcoholic Beverages and Products. Applicant shall obtain a valid
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) liquor license for
the serving of alcoholic beverages and shall fully conform to the operational
requirements imposed by the agency.
PLN 2. Hours of Operation (Bar). This Conditional Use Permit allows the following
hours of operation for the bar (see PLN 7 for regulations relating to indoor live
entertainment):
• Tuesday and Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 4:00 PM – Midnight
• Monday and Sunday: Closed
Any future modifications to the hours of operation shall require an amendment
to this CUP.
PLN 3. Outdoor Entertainment and Amplified Sound/Music. Outdoor entertainment
and amplified sound/music is not permitted under this Conditional Use Permit
(CUP).
PLN 4. Intensification of Use. The expansion or intensification of the approved use,
which include but are not limited to, the expansion of the use to the exterior, an
addition to the floor area, and an increase in the amount of seats, shall require
an amendment to this Conditional Use Permit.
PLN 5. Sign Permits Required. No signs are approved by this action. All signs,
including temporary signs, shall be reviewed and approved in accordance with
Palm Springs Zoning Code (PSZC) Section 93.20.00 (Signs). No signs shall
be installed without sign permits. Work done without permits shall be
Resolution No. _____
Conditions of Approval Page 4 of 5
CUP-2024-0007 – Alana Bar & Tapas September 11, 2024
assessed the base fee plus a fine of the same amount in accordance with the
City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
PLN 6. Outside Storage Prohibited. No outside storage of any goods, products, or
materials shall be permitted.
PLN 7. Indoor Live Entertainment. Permitted indoor live entertainment shall be limited
to Thursday through Saturday between 7:00PM and 11:00 PM. All doors and
windows shall be closed during the performance. The activity shall fully
conform to the City’s Noise Ordinance regulations (PSMC Chapter 11.74), and
the business shall monitor the noise level during the performance.
PLN 8. Property Maintenance. The property shall be maintained in accordance with
Palm Springs Zoning Code Section 93.19.00 (Property Maintenance
Standards).
PLN 9. Police Department. The business shall work with the Police Department to
amicably resolve complaints related to the business operations at this
property.
PLN 10. Exterior Alterations. Exterior alterations, which include but are not limited to,
permanent and temporary sign installation, window and door replacement,
fence/wall installation, and change to the color and materials of the exterior
elevations, require separate review and approval by the Department of
Planning Services and Historic Preservation Officer (HPO). Such work shall
not be commenced unless the work is first reviewed and approved by the
Department of Planning Services and HPO.
PLN 11. Security Plan Required. The applicant shall submit a security plan to the
Department of Planning Services prior to the commencement of the bar
operation. The security plan to be submitted to the Department of Planning
Services shall be pre-approved by the Police Department. The
commencement of the bar operation is prohibited until this requirement is met.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT CONDITIONS
BLD 1. Construction Permits. Prior to any construction on-site, all appropriate
permits must be secured.
BLD 2. Building Code. Construction documents shall comply with the 2022 California
Building Code.
BLD 3. Riverside County Health Department Approval Required. Construction plans
shall be approved by the Riverside County Department of Environmental
Health.
Resolution No. _____
Conditions of Approval Page 5 of 5
CUP-2024-0007 – Alana Bar & Tapas September 11, 2024
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONDITIONS:
FIRE 1. These Fire Department conditions may not provide all requirements.
Owner/developer is responsible for all applicable state and locally adopted
fire codes. Detailed plans are still required for review. Conditions are subject
to final plan check and review.
FIRE 2. Fire Department Conditions were based on the 2019 California Fire Code as
adopted by City of Palm Springs, Palm Springs Municipal Code, PSFD
Appendix “T” Development Requirements. This building will require fire
sprinklers and a fire alarm system based on the change of use.
FIRE 3. Conditions of Approval – “Conditions of Approval” received from the Palm
Springs Planning Department must be submitted with each plan set. Failure
to submit will result in a delay of plan approval.
FIRE 4. Fire Extinguishers: Shall provide 2A 10BC fire extinguishers every 75’. Shall
mount 3-5’ off the ground.
FIRE 5. Aisle Widths: Shall maintain 36” aisle widths in between all seats.
FIRE 6. Exits: Shall provide 2 exit discharges. They shall either be completely open
or closed with panic bars.
FIRE 7. Occupant Load: An Occupant load shall be calculated by a license architect.
FIRE 8 Door Swing: N.W door exit door in alley shall swing out.
END OF CONDITIONS
Justification Letter
June 25, 2024
City of Palm Springs Planning Department
3200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Current Zone Use: Central Business District
General Plan: Medium-Low
Occupancy Group: B
Project: Alana Bar & Tapas
Certificate of Occupancy: 03/27/2024
Building Department Permit No.: BLDC-2024-0531
Business Owner: Alana Coffin / Las Casuelas Viejas, Inc.
Address: 370 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
To Whom It May Concern:
In accordance with the City of Palm Springs' requirement for a justification letter regarding the new
restaurant/bar, Alana Bar & Tapas, please note the following:
Information:
Sustainability: The proposed project will not participate in the City of Palm Springs Green Building Program.
However, it will employ standard industry construction practices, including recycled materials, energy-efficient
HVAC equipment (SEER Rating), LED lighting, and low-VOC paints and floor sealers. The project is situated in
a walkable community and will complement Palm Springs' architectural and design aesthetics.
1. The current property owner intends to redevelop the existing restaurant/bar located at 370 N. Palm Canyon
Drive. The existing establishment has become outdated and does not align with cur rent design trends seen
in adjacent restaurants/bars. The space has been closed for over a year. My current business, "Las Casuelas
Original," has been a staple in Palm Springs for over 66 years, serving as an icon for locals and visitors
alike. Due to space constraints and a desire to preserve the restaurant's original structure, I have not
previously been able to offer bar service.
The bar will offer a modern and clean design without altering the façade or existing architecture. It will
provide high-quality bar service that meets contemporary standards while respecting the current aesthetic
of the city.
Hours of operation will be as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 PM to 10 PM; Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday from 4 PM to midnight. The bar will be closed on Sunday and Monday. We are requesting
permission to have a live DJ on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM. We plan to employ a
total of five staff members: three full-time and two part-time, including two bar tenders and two cocktail
servers.
Adjacent properties include my restaurant, “Las Casuelas Original,” to the south, and an empty space,
previously a gallery, to the north.
The property faces N. Palm Canyon Drive, directly across from a restaurant/bar called Azul, which has
been closed for over four years.
We propose to create a bar offering an atmosphere reminiscent of Mexico City, with cocktails and appetizers
designed in collaboration with a top bar tender from Mexico City and Chef Gabe Woo. The goal is to deliver a
unique experience reflective of Mexico City's vibrant culinary scene.
The bar will be managed by owner Alana Coffin, who has extensive experience in this type of establishment.
Additionally, a floor manager will oversee daily customer service and quality control for food and drinks. The
team will include two bar tenders and two cocktail servers.
Please note that the parklet in front of the property belongs solely to Las Casuelas restaurant and will not be
utilized by the bar. The existing infrastructure that is behind Las Casuelas restaurant will, and has previously,
been used for guest parking. Additionally, this parking lot will seamlessly house our trash bins in our already
approved, designated section which we have used historically (Since 1950s) for the restaurant.
Given the information provided, I believe the proposed redevelopment and use of 370 N. Palm Canyon Drive
aligns with all city requirements and is thus subject to approval.
Sincerely,
Alana Coffin
Project Site
Public Parking
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