Amalfi Minor Use Permit (PA2025-0210) Site Location: 401 Newport Center Drive, Suite A104

The Zoning Administrator is considering a minor use permit for Amalfi Restaurant at 401 Newport Center Drive, Suite A104, to allow a new eating and drinking establishment with a Type 41 (On-Sale Beer and Wine) Alcoholic Beverage Control license. The existing tenant space, previously a restaurant without alcohol sales, is located within the Atrium food court of Fashion Island. The project involves minor tenant improvements with no expansion of the floor plan. The proposed hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The Newport Beach Police Department has reviewed the application and has no objections, subject to conditions. The project is found to be exempt from CEQA under Class 1 (Existing Facilities). The Zoning Administrator must make findings regarding alcohol sales, consistency with the General Plan and zoning district, compatibility with the vicinity, site suitability, and public welfare. The Police Department's memorandum notes that the reporting district (RD 39) has a higher crime rate and an over-saturation of alcohol licenses, meeting criteria for "undue concentration." However, they recommend approval with conditions, citing the area as a planned entertainment district with security and noting that similar uses have been approved in the food court.