LAKE FOREST : Planners’ Vote Allows Business Park Eateries

The city Planning Commission has approved a zoning change that will allow restaurants in the Pacific Commercenter business park.

Under the plan approved last week, the 824,000-square-foot business park, located at Bake Parkway and Trabuco Road, would be allowed 20,000 square feet for restaurant use. The proposed zone change will go to the City Council for final approval.

The increase was part of a deal between Los Alisos Development Co. and the city that reduced the amount of space in the business park dedicated to businesses that attract traffic, such as health clubs, banks and travel agencies.

City planners said the 20,000 square feet of restaurant space would accommodate one sit-down dining establishment and as many as two drive-through, fast-food restaurants.

The project will not modify any essential conditions under which the Pacific Commercenter was approved.

The modification drew few complaints from three neighboring homeowners’ associations. City planners did agree to hold additional public hearings when specific plans for the restaurants are turned in.

Several conditions were imposed to ease the project’s impact on neighboring homeowners, including restrictions on when trash can be collected and a requirement for at least a 190-foot setback from any residential dwelling.

A traffic study commissioned by Los Alisos Development Co. concluded that the restaurants would not significantly increase traffic in the area. City staff reviewed the study and agreed with its conclusions.