YA: _ S:\04_Current Planning\02_CUP\01_Active\2024\PP-CUP-24-0010_2930 Union Ave_Auto Shop to Banquet Hall\01_PC
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 21, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: 5.b
TO: Chair and Members of the Planning Commission
FROM: Jennie Eng, Assistant Planning Director J. Eng
DATE: August 15, 2025
FILE: Conditional Use Permit 24-0010 [Document Description] WARD: 3
STAFF PLANNER: Yazid Alawgarey, Assistant Planner
REQUEST: PDA, Inc. is requesting a conditional use permit to allow a banquet venue (B.M.C.
17.24.040.A.6) in the C-2 (Regional Commercial) zone located at 2930 Union Avenue.
APPLICANT: PDA, Inc. OWNER: Upscale Union LLC
Jeremy Manning Antonio Chavez
1330 22nd Street, Suite 100 6630 Lowry Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301 Bakersfield, CA 93307
LOCATION: 2930 Union Avenue APN: 012-071-01
PROJECT SIZE: 0.26 acres CEQA: Section 15332 (Class 32)
Infill Development
EXISTING GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: GC (General Commercial)
EXISTING ZONE CLASSIFICATION: C-2 (Regional Commercial)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution and suggested findings approving Conditional Use Permit No. 24-0010 as depicted in the project description and subject to the listed conditions of approval.
SITE CHARACTERISTICS: The project site is developed with an existing commercial building. Surrounding properties are developed as commercial buildings to the north, west, and south with residential to the east.
CUP 24-0010
BACKGROUND AND TIMELINE:
• March 27, 1923 – The parcel was annexed into the City of Bakersfield as part of a 147 -acre annexation in the Alta Vista area. (Annexation #3 – Alta Vista Tract).
• November 1, 2024 – The City of Bakersfield Planning Department received the application requesting a conditional use permit to convert a former Auto repair shop into a banquet hall. The application has completed its process through the site plan review.
PROJECT ANALYSIS:
Project Area. The project site encompasses approximately 0.26 acres and is located on the northeast corner of Union Avenue and Quincy Street. It consists of a one -story, 9,578- square-foot commercial building that has recently been an auto repair shop that has not been operational in over 12 months. The property is bordered by commercial buildings to the north, west, and south. To the east there are single- family residential homes. The nearest similar event center is “The Hideaway” approximately 250 feet to the north at the corner of Union Avenue and Flower Street. Only 3,565 square feet of the area shall be used as a banquet venue while the other 6,013 square feet shall be used as storage to store tables, chairs, and decorative furnishing dedicated to this location and only be used for the events scheduled on site.
The storage will not be used by any public and will not have any employees located at this site. The storage area will not be accessible to the public nor to patrons during events and will not requ ire additional parking above what is designated for the banquet area. The site currently has no landscaping but shall be landscaped in accordance with Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC) Section 17.61.
Proposed Operations. As outlined in the applicant’s operations statement, Upscale Union LLC shall provide event hosting services for small gatherings of up to 48 guests using 3,565 square feet of the building. Events will be held between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. Events will not be allowed to proceed past 12a.m. All décor and meals will be catered by the groups renting the facility and there is no on-site kitchen for cooking. 6,013 square-feet of the building shall be used as storage only.
Parking. The project site provides 10 parking spaces sufficient for the 48 guests per Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC) Section 17.58.110.E.29.
Zoning and Permitting. The property is zoned C-2, allowing banquet venues with approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). During the CUP application, the Site Plan Review (SPR) Committee reviewed the site and floor plans for the proposed project to ensure compliance with City d evelopment standards. SPR Committee feedback has been incorporated as conditions of approval if the project is approved.
Conditional Use Permit. A Conditional Use Permit allows the Planning Commission to evaluate special land uses that may benefit the community but are not permitted by right. If approved, the applicant's rights are subject to the operating conditions set by the Commission, which retains the authority to revoke the permit for valid reasons, including non -compliance. The Commission may also modify or add conditions to ensure the project aligns with City ordinances. Recommended conditions are outlined in Exhibit A of the resolution.
CUP 24-0010
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND DETERMINATION:
This project has been found to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Bakersfield’s CEQA Implementation Procedures in accordance with Section 15332 (Class 32: Infill). This exemption includes projects that are:
• Consistent with the applicable general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies as well as with applicable zoning designation and regulations; • Within city limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses;
• Have no value as habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species; • Would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; • Adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
A Notice of Exemption has been prepared.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
Public notice for the proposed project and environmental determination was advertised in The Bakersfield Californian and posted on the bulletin board in the City of Bakersfield Development Services Building, 1715 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, California. All property owners within 300 feet of the project site were notified by United States Postal Service mail regarding this public hearing in accordance with city ordinance and state law. The applicant was also encouraged to do their own outreach to the neighbors in which they provided us with an outreach letter sent to residents within a 300 foot radius. The mailing list was provided by staff.
Signs are required as part of the public notification process and must be posted between 20 to 60 days before the public hearing date. Photographs of the posted signage and the Declaration of Posting Public Hearing Notice signed by the applicant are on file at the Planning Division.
Comments Received. As of this writing, no written public comments have been received.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings. Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC) Section 17.64.060.D contains specific findings that must be made for your Commission to approve the requested conditional use permit. Specifically, the section states that a CUP shall be granted only when it is found that:
1. The proposed use is deemed essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare; and
2. The proposed use is in harmony with the key elements and objectives of the general plan and applicable specific plans.
BMC Section 17.64.060.E goes on to state that a conditional use permit may be subject to conditions as deemed appropriate or necessary to assure compliance with the intent and purpose of the zoning regulations and the various elements and objectives of the general plan and applicable specific plans and policies of the city or to protect the public health, safety, convenience, or welfare.
CUP 24-0010
In accordance with these required findings, and as conditioned, Staff finds: (1) the proposed project would provide a public convenience by offering another option for a banquet venue in central Bakersfield ; (2) the project will positively enhance the site and allow for a positive contribution by utilizing and improving an existing building within the central portion of the city; and (3) the project would result in a development that is consistent with the intent of both the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan and the Bakersfield Municipal Code.
Recommendation. Staff finds that the applicable provisions of CEQA have been complied with, and the proposal sufficiently demonstrates compliance with the necessary findings. Therefore, staff recommends your Commission adopt Resolution and suggested findings approving Conditional Use Permit No. 24-0010 with the recommended conditions of approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
Map Set
• Aerial
• Zone Classification
• General Plan Designation
Site Plan
Operational Statement
Public Outreach
Resolution with Exhibits