The Goldfinch (Planning Application RSM 26-005)
Summary
SCH Number
2026070140
Public Agency
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
Document Title
The Goldfinch (Planning Application RSM 26-005)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/6/2026
Document Description
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for alcoholic beverage retail sales, outdoor seating and dining, and live entertainment and dancing for a new restaurant to occupy an existing restaurant space located in the Plaza El Paseo shopping center. Modifications to the existing floor area or building footprint are not proposed.
Contact Information
Name
The Goldfinch 2 LLC
Agency Name
Owner
Job Title
LLC Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Wendy Starks
Agency Name
Rancho Santa Margarita
Job Title
Principal Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Rancho Santa Margarita
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
22312 El Paseo, Suite A
Zip
92688
State Highways
California
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of Section 15301 Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301, the proposed project is exempt from CEQA under the Class 1 (Existing Facilities) categorical exemption since the proposed restaurant with alcoholic beverage retail sales, outdoor seating and dining, and live entertainment and dancing will occupy an existing restaurant space within a developed shopping center that will not increase the existing building footprint beyond the existing area. Furthermore, all necessary public services and facilities are already available to the proposed project site, and approval of the proposed project will not result in significant adverse effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality.
County Clerk
Orange
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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