City to turn off tap at rooftop bar

People who frequent La Casa Del Camino’s rooftop bar — and enjoy its magnificent views of the ocean and hills — may have to start checking in to the hotel to use the space.

A dispute between the hotel’s owner and the Planning Commission over whether the bar violates existing conditional use permits of the hotel led to a July 11 hearing aimed at clarifying the permitted uses for the rooftop area.

The commissioners unanimously approved a revised conditional use permit that states specifically what activities are allowed to take place on the deck. A bar is not among them.

Planning Commissioner Norm Grossman said the commission originally approved the rooftop area for limited use for hotel guests. This allowed guests to bring drinks up and enjoy the deck and view. A rooftop bar open to the public was never part of a plan submitted to the commission.

“We never approved the rooftop bar,” Grossman said.

Chris Keller, owner of La Casa Del Camino, saw the potential of the place and installed a bar as well as chairs and parasols, developing the deck into what has become a popular night spot for tourists and locals alike.

But Planning Commissioners didn’t see the improvements as being permitted under the approved CUP.

“They think the language was vague enough that they are still compliant with it,” Grossman said. “We disagree.”

Grossman said places evolve over time and sometimes outgrow their permits. When that happens, new permits need to be obtained.

“It’s hard to write a foolproof iron-clad conditional use permit,” Grossman said.

Keller said he is happy to accept the commission’s decision but he is seeking out options to maintain the bar as it is.

Keller has an option to challenge the commission’s decision with the City Council, but it must be done within 10 business days of the decision. Keller said the decision hasn’t yet been made as to whether he’ll petition the City Council. He’s currently exploring all the options available.