AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
CUP-26-38 (I Don’t Know Bar) Hold a public hearing and consider a request by Sereya Cochran, on behalf of I Don’t Know Bar, for a Conditional Use Permit to allow on premise consumption of Mixed Beverages, located at 650 E Hopkins Street. (C. Garrison)
Body
Meeting date: August 25, 2026
Department: Planning and Development Services
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
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Background Information:
I Don’t Know Bar, was previously titled “Bum’s Billiards,” has existed since at least 1993, and changed names approximately in 2016. It has been operating without a valid Conditional Use Permit or Certificate of Occupancy due to the name change. The purpose of this Conditional Use Permit is to bring I Don’t Know Bar back into conformance after the name change. This results in the need for an application for a new Conditional Use Permit and not a renewal.
In 2016 the City of San Marcos Land Development Code allowed for an administrative approval of a Conditional Use Permit name change. I Don’t Know Bar did not apply for this approval. Currently the business is operating under a different name, and under the jurisdiction of the current San Marcos Development Code which requires a Conditional Use Permit Application that goes to Planning and Zoning Commission for approval.
1993: The business submitted a Special Use Permit for On Premise Consumption of Mixed Beverages which was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission for a life-time permit.
Approx 2016: Business Name Change without a new Conditional Use Permit or Certificate of Occupancy.
Per Senate Bill 1008 and since this a bar, the City can enforce the existing noise ordinance and the conditions related to noise added to this CUP.
Due to the shared rear property line with Single Family Residential, staff has included a recommended noise condition.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval with the following conditions:
1. This permit shall be valid for (1) year, and shall expire August 25, 2027, provided standards are met;
2. No outdoor Amplified Sound;
3. The business shall be responsible for the subject property and the abutting right- of way, excluding the public street or alley pavement, within 50 feet of any entrance and exit in a clean and sanitary condition, free from litter and refuse at all times. The maintenance responsibilities shall not overlap with another alcohol CUP Holder’s maintenance area. (LDC Section 5.1.5.5.E.2.c);
4. The number of people occupying the building is required to remain compliant with the fire code, to include ensuring that occupant loads stay at or below posted levels; and
5. This permit shall be posted in the same area and manner as the Certificate of Occupancy.