Commission approves Capo Public House permit with amended food-service conditions tied to common ownership

The Whittier Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit on March 17 for Capo Public House, a proposed lounge with indoor and outdoor seating, arcades, pool tables and live entertainment in Building 7 of the Grove project at 7008 Walnut Grove Drive.

Assistant planner Crystal Arroyo presented the proposal (CUP25-0010) and said staff recommends approval with conditions. The site is in the Lincoln specific plan and staff cited a Class 1 categorical exemption from environmental review. Arroyo noted staff added a draft condition (condition 55) requiring the applicant to notify staff if it chooses to pursue a different ABC license type.

Commissioners concentrated on two operational issues: public-safety history in the area and a condition that requires food service. Commissioner Connolly asked whether staff had calls-for-service records for Rodeo 72; staff said calls exist, that the police department provided conditions of approval included in the packet, and that condition 14 requires a post-opening review. Commissioner Borsey asked whether the operation is under the same owner/operator as Rodeo 72 and questioned tying condition language specifically to Rodeo 72.

Tom Carpenter, the developer and owner/operator, told the commission the request is meant to complete the Grove project and to activate the vacant historic building in a way that supports Rodeo 72 tenants. "This request really represents the final piece to complete the Groves project," Carpenter said, and described measures to provide food from an identified food partner and operational commitments to keep the environment family friendly while offering adult service areas.

Commissioners discussed amending conditions 24 and 25 to specify that Rodeo 72 food service applies only when the properties are owned or operated by the same entity and to add the staff-proposed condition 55. With those amendments proposed on the record, the commission moved to approve the resolution and carried the motion on a roll-call vote.

The approval authorizes on-site sale and consumption of beer, wine and distilled spirits under the Type 48 framework with the amended conditions; staff attachments include police-department conditions and a 12-month review requirement.

Staff will finalize the resolution with the amended condition language and additional condition 55 as directed by the commission.