Live music OK for Plaza restaurant
The Plaza Bistro now has official permission to do what his been doing for some time – present live music. The Sonoma Planning Commission unanimously approved a request Thursday night by owner Martin Chavez to offer live music, acoustic or amplified, on Friday nights between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
He also has permission for 10 additional nights of music in his banquet room during the year, either on Saturdays, holidays or in conjunction with special events. No music is allowed outdoors at any time.
“It’s a great addition to the restaurant and the neighborhood,” said Commissioner Sara Lambert.
The quick, unanimous decision, and the night’s one lone public comment, was a far cry from the last time the commission ruled on a use permit for music in a restaurant. That night, the chambers were packed for a long, heated hearing regarding Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack.
What made the difference was the zoning of the two properties. Whereas Emmy’s is in a mixed-use neighborhood with residential neighbors, The Plaza Bistro at 420 First St. E. is in a commercial district. City Planner David Goodison estimated that the nearest homes were 400 to 500 feet away from the site, and the surrounding commercial properties would likely act as a sound barrier.
Chavez bought the restaurant in 2002. Barry Hines, the real estate agent who handled the transaction, spoke on his behalf at the meeting and addressed the noise issue. “(Chavez) is a restaurateur adding music to enhance the dining experience,” Hines said. The style, mostly light jazz, and volume will not overwhelm conversation in the dining room. “It’s equal to what would have been on the stereo system.”
Bearing that out, commissioners noted, was the fact that no noise complaints have been made about the previous music offered there. “I support live music,” said Commissioner James Edwards. “It’s only until ten, and I haven’t heard of any complaints.”
Chairman Michael George noted that Chavez came forward to legalize the Bistro’s ongoing music once he learned such a permit was necessary. Given the publicity of the Emmy’s case, George thought, “We’ll probably be seeing a lot more of these.”
