Noise Delays Beer Garden Proposal

Sonora, CA — Nearby residents’ concerns have prompted possible new noise studies on the proposed Sonora Beer Garden, and have delayed any final approval into next month.

As reported last week, the developer, Trado Restaurant, owners of the Bourbon Barrel at 198 S. Green Street, wanted the Sonora City Planning Commission to approve a Design Review Permit, which would have allowed for a beer garden, with a specialty food shop and live music also at that location.  City of Sonora Community Development Director Rachelle Kellogg reports residents’ complained to the board regarding the noise issue, delaying a decision until the April 11 meeting.  “During this time period they want staff to go ahead and notice the surrounding properties within 300 feet of the proposed business,” shares Kellogg, “Additionally, staff will look at maybe doing some additional noise studies where the residential properties are located above the proposed beer garden.”  Whether or not those studies are conducted will be up to the developer, according to Kellogg, as she says they will have to decide if they want to go ahead with the plans.

The commission also approved 14 parcels out of 18 to be rezoned to Tourist and Administration on the west side of South Stewart Street from Williams Street to Restano Way.  Kellogg notes, “Four parcels located near Lytton Street and Washington Street, with two of them connecting between Washington and Stewart Streets, the owners asked that all those be left zoned commercial, which the board agreed.”  Kellogg indicates those rezoned tourist can house office space, restaurants, hotels and banks.