Clearlake planning panel approves La Chilanguita's permit to sell beer, wine and spirits

The Clearlake Planning Commission voted Dec. 13 to approve a Conditional Use Permit and categorical CEQA exemption allowing on-site sales and consumption of beer, wine and distilled spirits at La Chilanguita Mexican Restaurant, 15165 Lakeshore Drive.

Planning staff told commissioners the business currently holds an ABC Type 41 license for beer and wine and is seeking a Type 47 license to add distilled spirits. Staff said the restaurant operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, does not plan to provide bar service, and does not propose building changes that would alter the site. Staff described the project as eligible for a categorical exemption because the use would occur in an existing facility and no major site changes are proposed.

Staff also explained how parking was evaluated: the building is about 3,000 square feet and staff conservatively calculated parking using standards that apply when a drive-through is present. The restaurant currently has a drive-through lane that is not in operation; staff said the applicant holds a grant deed easement for ingress, egress and parking on an adjacent parcel that allows the combined parcels to meet parking standards.

Commissioner McCarrick asked whether the drive-through would be used as an exit route and raised safety concerns if customers were drinking and using multiple exits; the applicant said patrons sometimes use the drive-through path and that the landlord and operator hope to make it an operating drive-through in the future, which could take years.

The motion to adopt Resolution PC 2022-24 (approving UP 2022-17 and CE 2022-25) passed by roll-call vote with Commissioners Stewart, Williams, McCarrick, Vice Chair Coker and Chair Wilson voting yes.

The approval includes the local conditions of approval that reference municipal land-use regulations for alcoholic beverages and standard conditions tied to environmental and aesthetic protections. The commission did not receive in-person, written or remote public comments on the item during the hearing. The permit will be subject to the conditions adopted by the commission and any applicable ABC requirements.