Planning commission approves Max Barge with conditions to limit outdoor hours and noise

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval, 7–0, of a conditional use permit for Max Barge at 4300 Cali Avenue under a new owner, with conditions intended to mitigate noise and late-night impacts. The applicant proposed operating 6:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, with on-premise alcohol sales allowed until midnight and a mix of live entertainment types indicated in the application. Planning staff presented the proposed conditions: limit outdoor dining to 10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday–Saturday; all doors and windows to be closed by 9 p.m.; and entertainment restricted to indoor spaces only. Mr. DeHaan, planning director, told the council these measures were meant to address concerns about noise carrying across the water to adjacent neighborhoods. Council members acknowledged residents’ concerns about the history of the prior operator. Council member Moore said he had personally heard noise carry across the water late at night and described the conditions as a way to “have more control” at the start of new operations. The planning commission record includes a letter of opposition from Highland Park and at least one public speaker who opposed based on the prior establishment’s operations. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for formal review; no final council vote was taken at the work session.