Attorney Michael Case said Hozy’s immediate popularity was due to the emphasis on quality that is an ARP hallmark.Case noted that M-1 Zone permitted uses encompass numerous recreational uses and facilities, and the purpose of the city’s Planned Development overlay zone - which applies to Lemonwood Park - is not only to provide reasonable controls over property development, said Case. According to the city, the PD Zone is also meant to “encourage imaginative and innovative design of developments and to permit greater flexibility than is feasible,” under the strict application of conventional zoning and subdivision regulations.Case dismissed concerns over industrial park employees becoming inebriated at Hozy’s, noting that a gas station within walking distance sells beer and wine at dramatically lower prices.The Planning Commission, “may, by resolution permit other uses which are similar to and no more objectionable than those enumerated,” for permitted uses, noted Case.“If you find it no more objectionable than a race course or sports park, you can do it,” Case added. “If you want it, while staff has their job, it’s your job to determine if you can exercise digression.”Commissioner Bill Irion said his objections centered on an additional liquor license in the city: “I’d prefer not to see it served at all. . .”Commissioner Mike Sommer said he would play “Devil’s advocate,” and suggested that the PUC be granted without restrictions to hours of operation or hours that alcohol would be served.Ultimately, the commission approved the CUP modification 6-1, withIrion casting the lone nay vote.
Commission approves Hozy’s CUP modification
July 19, 2002
Santa Paula News
The Planning Commission firmly bucked a staff recommendation to deny the expansion of hours and allow the sale of wine and beer at Hozy’s Santa Paula Grill, with one commissioner objecting to overly restrictive code interpretations by the Planning Department.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe Planning Commission firmly bucked a staff recommendation to deny the expansion of hours and allow the sale of wine and beer at Hozy’s Santa Paula Grill, with one commissioner objecting to overly restrictive code interpretations by the Planning Department.“One of the most compelling reasons,” to approve Hozy’s request for a modified Conditional Use Permit, said Commissioner Gary Nasalroad, is to eliminate “overly restrictive” interpretations of city codes and ordinances that are “counterproductive to the city’s own economic needs. . .”Nasalroad’s comments came at the conclusion of a two-hour hearing held July 9th and attended by over 80 Hozy’s supporters.Hozy’s Santa Paula Grill and its parent company, Automotive Racing Products, Inc. (ARP)m are both are located in the Lemonwood Industrial Park. Hozy’s Santa Paula Grill seats 65, and its CUP limited business hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and did allow the sale of wine and beer.Tom Bartlett, planning director, told commissioners that Hozy’s expansion is not possible due to City Code, which conditionally allows commercial uses in the M-1 (manufacturing) zone that support permitted uses, but only if such uses to not cater to nearby residential areas or undermine the intent of the M-1 zone. Employees in the surrounding area might return to work in an inebriated state, Bartlett noted, and the primary use of the property would become Hozy’s although it was permitted as an accessory use.ARP Executive Vice President Bob Florine gave a history of the company, and noted “quality is what we stand for and drives everything we do. . .we’ve grown in and with this community,” and ARP now has 65,000 square feet and 150 employees at its Santa Paula facilities. “It’s the kind of business most cities want,” and no financial incentives were asked from the city, Florine noted.The idea for the addition of a restaurant adjacent to the Santa Paula plant was born three years ago, but “because of substantial delays,” creating same, Hozy’s Café in Ventura opened first.Hozy’s only takes up 2,200 square feet, Florine noted, and although ARP has annual revenues of about $20 million, restaurant income is negligible by comparison, although over 500 people signed petitions in support of Hozy’s CUP application.
