25-650
SUBJECT: Conditional Use Permit #25-0011, and Restaurant Encroachment Permit #25-0001 initiated by Sair Lara, applicant for Michael Dale McCutcheon, Trustee, property owner. This application involves a request to operate a bar that serves beer and wine for on-site and off-site consumption with a front patio area at 521 West Main Street, and to operate a food truck in the parking lot behind the building. The subject site is generally located on the north side of West Main Street, approximately 150 feet west of Canal Street. The subject site has a General Plan designation of Regional/Community Commercial (RC), and a Zoning classification of Central Commercial (C-C). **PUBLIC HEARING** ACTION: Approve/Disapprove/Modify 1) Environmental Review #25-0018 (Categorical Exemption) 2) Conditional Use Permit #25-0011 3) Restaurant Encroachment Permit #25-0001 SUMMARY Sair Lara is requesting conditional use permit approval to operate a bar with a front patio area and a food truck in the private parking lot behind the site at 521 West Main Street (Merced Lofts). Per Merced Municipal Code Land Use Table 20.10-1 - Permitted Land Uses in Commercial Districts, “bars” and alcohol sales for off-site consumption in buildings smaller than 20,000 square feet are considered a conditional use within a Central Commercial (C-C) Zone. The Planning Commission will be reviewing this proposal to ensure that the business and site plan is designed in a manner that minimizes negative impacts to the existing site and promotes compatible and orderly development with the surrounding uses. Staff is recommending approval with conditions. RECOMMENDATION Planning staff has reviewed this request and recommends that the Planning Commission approve Environmental Review #25-0018 (Categorical Exemption), Conditional Use Permit #25-0011, and Restaurant Encroachment Permit #25-0001, including the adoption of the Draft Resolution at Attachment A subject to the conditions in Exhibit A and the findings/considerations in Exhibit B.
- Committee
- Planning Commission
- Introduced
- July 3, 2025
- On agenda
- July 23, 2025
- Passed
- July 23, 2025