Planning Commission Meeting, September 16, 2026 PART 2

The City of San Clemente Planning Commission held a meeting on September 16, 2026, focusing primarily on the approval and modification of outdoor dining parklets and sidewalk seating permits for local businesses, including Avila's and Villas El Ranchito. Key procurement-related discussions involved approving a minor conditional use permit and parklet dining permit for Avila's, with conditions to ensure ADA compliance, including adjusting the size of the handicapped parking stall and allowing staff flexibility to shift the parklet by six inches. The Commission also approved a minor conditional use permit for sidewalk seating at Villas El Ranchito, with conditions addressing fencing requirements, ADA compliance, and tying the permit's duration to the parklet's authorization. The Commission debated pedestrian access, safety concerns, and the impact of existing sidewalk obstructions, ultimately supporting the permits with modifications to fencing and operational conditions. No new fees were introduced for the sidewalk seating permit, though the question of charging monthly fees was raised for future consideration. The meeting concluded with updates on parklet maintenance, upcoming training sessions, and scheduling of future meetings.