TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Masa Alkire, Community Development Director
SUBJECT:Title
Recent Planning Commission Quasi-Judicial Decision: One-Year Review of a Use Permit Amendment that Allowed the Expansion of an Existing Eating and Drinking Establishment, Including Second-Story Outdoor Dining in Conjunction with the On-Site Sales and Service of Alcohol (Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits) and Live Entertainment Located at 309 Manhattan Beach Boulevard (Esperanza) (Community Development Director Alkire).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
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On June 10, 2026, and July 8, 2026, the Planning Commission considered the item described below:
1. One-Year Review of a Use Permit Amendment that allowed the expansion of an existing eating and drinking establishment, including second-story outdoor dining in conjunction with the on-site sales and service of alcohol (beer, wine, and distilled spirits) and live entertainment located at 309 Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
On October 9, 2024, the Planning Commission approved a Use Permit Amendment for second-story outdoor dining, including a condition that allowed expanded hours (until 11:00 p.m. for the patio and 2:00 a.m. for the indoor areas) on a one-year trial basis. On February 25, 2026, the Community Development Department received an application from Greg Newman, on behalf of Esperanza, requesting continued use of the expanded operating hours for the second story beyond the one-year trial period, which was scheduled to end on June 11, 2026. On June 10, 2026, and July 8, 2026, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request. During the public hearing on June 10, 2026, the Commission received a report from City staff and testimony from the applicant and from the public. The hearing was continued to July 8, 2026, at which time the Commission also received a report from City staff. After closing the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve the applicant’s request, with the addition of a condition requiring the patio doors to remain closed when the patio is closed and found the project exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA.
Link to the Planning Commission Staff Report: <https://manhattanbeach.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8127413&GUID=EAD05AD7-8A57-4553-B52D-E88A4DA31D45&FullText=1>
Pursuant to Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section 10.100.020, Planning Commission quasi-judicial decisions will be reviewed by the City Council if two Councilmembers each file a Council review form within 15 days of the decision or if the decision is appealed by a member of the public.