Use Permit Modification, File No. UPE24-0077
Summary
SCH Number
2025061225
Public Agency
Sonoma County
Document Title
Use Permit Modification, File No. UPE24-0077
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/26/2025
Document Description
Request to modify Use Permit UPE20-0046 to allow a 735 sq. ft. outdoor dining area under a new 1,200 sq. ft. arbor structure, legalization of an existing shade structure, and reconfiguration of the parking lot to add a waiting area and bicycle parking in place of two spaces, to an existing restaurant offering indoor dining, takeout food, and alcohol sales. Up to 24 community or promotional events may be held annually, limited to two per month and 49 attendees per event. The existing restaurant will continue to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, with 21 employees and approximately 120 daily visitors. A total of 13 on-site parking spaces will be provided, supported by a shared parking agreements for nearby spaces and 20 bicycle parking spots. All existing utilities will remain. This Use Permit (UPE24-0077) shall supersede all prior Use Permit approvals.
Contact Information
Name
Jacob Sedgley
Agency Name
Permit Sonoma
Job Title
Planner III
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Lars Langberg
Agency Name
Permit Sonoma
Job Title
Applicant
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Forestville
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
Front Street and 1st Street
Zip
95436
Total Acres
0.40
Parcel #
083-090-038
State Highways
Highway 116
Railways
Not Applicable
Airports
Not Applicable
Schools
Forestville School-Academy, Laguna High School
Waterways
Russian River, Green Valley Creek, Mark West Creek
Township
7N
Range
9W
Section
6
Base
MDM
Other Location Info
Zoning: Limited Commercial District (LC), Local Guidelines Combining District – Highway 116 Scenic Corridor (LG/116), Scenic Resources – Scenic Corridor (SR)
Other Information
General Plan Land Use: Limited Commercial (LC)
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 for existing facilities, and 15303 for new construction of a minor accessory structure.
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). The project qualifies under Section 15301 because it involves minor alterations to an existing commercial facility, including the conversion of two parking spaces into a waiting area and bicycle parking, and operational changes that do not result in a substantial increase in capacity or intensity of use.
The addition of a 740-square-foot outdoor dining area and legalization of an existing shade structure qualify under Section 15303, as the improvements constitute minor new construction and accessory use to the existing restaurant.
Noise impacts associated with the outdoor dining area were evaluated, and no significant impacts were identified. Minor modifications to existing fencing, specifically the closure of existing gaps in the fencing, are incorporated into the project to further minimize potential off-site noise exposure and maintain compatibility with surrounding land uses.
No exceptions listed under Section 15300.2 apply, and there is no reasonable possibility that the project would have a significant effect on the environment. The site is already developed and served by existing utilities and infrastructure. The proposed improvements support alternative transportation options and enhance the customer experience without creating new environmental impacts. Therefore, the project does not present a reasonable possibility of resulting in a significant effect on the environment.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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