Planning commission approves beer-and-wine permit for Kinfolks Flatstone Grill

The Riverbank Planning Commission voted 5-0 on July 21 to approve a conditional use permit that allows Kinfolks Flatstone Grill to sell and permit on-site consumption of beer and wine at its existing restaurant with outdoor patio seating at 3306 Santa Fe Street.

Staff presented the application, saying the site is designated mixed-use in the Riverbank general plan and located in the downtown-specific plan area where restaurants are a permitted use but alcohol service requires a conditional use permit. "This project is a request for a conditional use permit to allow the sale and on-site consumption of beer and wine at an existing restaurant with outdoor patio seating," the staff member stated, and recommended the commission adopt Resolution No. 2026-012 approving Conditional Use Permit No. 03-2026.

The staff presentation noted the project must comply with Riverbank municipal code performance standards and applicable state requirements and said no specific issues were identified during project review. Staff also said the project was considered exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act as an existing facilities categorical exemption (CEQA Guideline section 15301). Staff added that the hearing notice was posted at City Hall and mailed to landowners within 300 feet of the site on July 8.

With no public comments offered in person or on Zoom, a commissioner moved to approve the item and the motion was seconded. A roll call vote recorded "yes" from Chair Michael Alterman, Vice Chair John Dinan, Commissioner Kaylee Zamora, Commissioner Joan Stewart and Commissioner Natasha Vasso; the motion passed 5-0.

The commission's action adopts the staff recommendation to approve the permit with the performance standards and findings identified in the staff report. The resolution and permit numbers referenced by staff are Resolution No. 2026-012 and Conditional Use Permit application No. 03-2026. The applicant and staff were available at the meeting to answer questions prior to the vote.

The commission did not receive public opposition during the hearing. Any appeals, permit conditions, or subsequent operational compliance matters will follow the procedures in the Riverbank municipal code and state law.