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CUP No. 2015-19-MOD-1 – Benchmark Beer, Wine, & Distilled Spirits (601 E. Santa Ana Boulevard) May 12, 2025 Page 4 4 9 7 2 use. From 2017 through 2019, Knife & Glass operated at 601 E. Santa Ana Boulevard, Unit A and in 2019 a COO was issued for a change of ownership to Benchmark, to operate a locally-based eating establishment. Benchmark has remained operating at the site since. In April of 2025, the Applicant submitted a CUP application to upgrade from a Type 41 ABC license to a Type 47, permitting the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits, and for expanded operations. The tenant space addressed as 605 E. Santa Ana Boulevard was previously occupied by the restaurant “Gusto Italiano,” which was issued a COO in 2019. Project Analysis CUP requests are governed by Section 41-638 of the SAMC. CUPs may be granted when it can be shown that the proposed project will not adversely impact the community. If these findings can be made, then it is appropriate to grant the CUP. Conversely, the inability to make these findings would result in a denial. The purpose of regulating establishments that sell alcoholic beverages is to set forth operating practices and procedures and to minimize impacts to surrounding areas. Staff has reviewed the Applicant’s request for the sale and consumption of beer, wine, and distilled spirits and has determined the proposed CUP will not be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the community. As a locally-based establishment, Benchmark provides a unique outdoor dining experience with an ancillary service to customers by offering a variety of alcoholic beverages with meals. Approval of the CUP modification will allow the restaurant to upgrade its existing Type 41 ABC license to a Type 47 license, enabling the sale of distilled spirits alongside beer and wine for on-premises consumption. The upgrade will help the establishment remain economically viable and compete with nearby full-service establishments offering similar services. The subject site is not located within immediate proximity to parks, playgrounds, or schools. The nearest religious institutions are Saint Joseph Church located at 727 N. Minter Street, approximately 170 feet to the north, and The Light of the World located at 512 E. Santa Ana Blvd, approximately 160 feet southwest. The site is located adjacent to single-family residences to the north and east within the Lacy Neighborhood, and located across the street from the Triada at the Station District, a mixed-use residential development. The close proximity of the eating establishment to the multi-family residential uses to the south, single-family to the north, and a religious facility to the west, is consistent with the objectives and policies of SD-84, to provide a mixture of development and open spaces that situates commerce, work places, residences and civic buildings within walking distance of transit and one another. Given that the site is located within a denser mixed-use community and is within close proximity of transit, commercial, and residential buildings, the project will contribute towards facilitating a mixed-use village