TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: BRAD JOHNSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
DATE: JANUARY 27, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING OF CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO AMEND THE EXISTING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (FILE #22-C04AMD) ALLOWING MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXISTING BONA-FIDE EATING ESTABLISHMENT FOR THE LA POPULAR RESTAURANT, LOCATED IN THE CLAREMONT VILLAGE, 235 NORTH YALE AVENUE
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SUMMARY
This public hearing item was opened at the January 13, 2026 City Council meeting and continued to January 27, 2026 to allow staff time to prepare a City Council policy resolution defining the thresholds for automatic reviews of Conditional Use Permits (CUPs). Public comments were taken at the January 13, 2026 City Council meeting. The January 13 City Council staff report is attached (Attachment C).
At its January 13, 2026 meeting, the City Council also directed staff to prepare a broader policy regarding enforcement of conditions of approval of CUPs. The City Council will consider that policy as a separate agenda item at its January 27, 2025 meeting. If the City Council would like that policy incorporated into the approval of La Popular’s CUP, the Council can modify the Planning Commission’s approval by choosing staff recommendation B and adopt the draft resolution included in this staff report as Attachment B.
The resolution outlined in staff recommendation B assumes the City Council has adopted the broader policy on enforcement of conditions of approval. If the City Council does not adopt the broader policy but would like the terms of the proposed policy incorporated into La Popular’s CUP, staff will need to make minor changes to Attachment B, which could be made during the meeting on January 27.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council adopt either:
A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA AFFIRMING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT #22-C04AMD, A REQUEST FOR MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXISTING BONA-FIDE EATING ESTABLISHMENT, LOCATED IN THE CLAREMONT VILLAGE AT 235 NORTH YALE AVENUE. APPLICANT - LA POPULAR RESTAURANT; or
B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA AFFIRMING, WITH MODIFICATIONS, THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT #22-C04AMD, A REQUEST FOR MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXISTING BONA-FIDE EATING ESTABLISHMENT, LOCATED IN THE CLAREMONT VILLAGE AT 235 NORTH YALE AVENUE. APPLICANT - LA POPULAR RESTAURANT, modifying the terms of the approval, such as the hours and/or days live music entertainment and/or DJ-hosted events are permitted, or enforcement mechanisms for potential violations of CUP conditions; and
C. Find this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Reverse the Planning Commission’s approval of the Amendment to Conditional Use Permit #22-C04AMD, specifically identifying the reasons the required findings under CMC 16.303.040 A., for Conditional Use Permits cannot be made, and continue the matter to a date certain to allow staff to prepare a resolution for denial.
B. Take no action. The Planning Commission’s approval of the Amendment to Conditional Use Permit (#22-C04AMD) will become final.
C. Continue the item, preferably to a date certain (e.g., to give staff time to gather additional information).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted & Prepared by:
Brad Johnson
Community Development Director
Attachments:
A - Resolution Affirming the Planning Commission’s Approval
B - Resolution Affirming, with Modifications, the Planning Commission’s Approval
C - January 13, 2026 City Council Agenda Report