Title
Public Hearing to Consider an Amendment to Alameda Municipal Code to Delete Section 30-12.2 requiring a distance separation of 1,000 feet between bars in Alameda.
The proposed amendment is categorically exempt from further review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to actions that have the potential to cause a significant impact on the environment, and 15183, projects consistent with a community plan, general plan or zoning.
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To: Honorable President and Members of the Planning Board
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In December 2020, the City received a request from the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) for the Planning Board to initiate a Zoning Amendment to allow bars to be located within 1,000 feet of another bar. Approval of the amendment would allow an existing bar (The Hunter Public House) on Webster Street to move to a new location on Webster Street. WABA as well as The Fireside, an existing bar that is located within 1,000 feet of The Hunter Public House's intended new location, both support the request. In the continuing effort to support local businesses in Alameda, staff expedited the review of this request.
Currently, Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) Section 30-12.2 prohibits a bar from locating within 1,000 feet of another bar.
For the reasons described below, staff is recommending approval of the proposed zoning text amendment to eliminate the 1,000-foot distance separation requirement between bars.
BACKGROUND.
Currently, the existing bars in Alameda are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but prior to the pandemic, there were approximately nine (9) operating bars in Alameda: two on Webster Street, five on Park Street and two, grandfathered bars, in the C-1 districts. Staff believes that at least two of these bars do not plan to reopen after the pandemic. The drinking establishments at Alameda Point, such as Faction Brewery, ar...
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