HomeMy WebLinkAboutMUP 2026-0003 Coffee Shop - Cars & Coffee House 78134 Tampico (Calle) Ste 160 (04.07.2026)■
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CALIFORNIA
April 7, 2026
Larissa Karimyan
78138 Calle Tampico, Ste. 100
La Quinta, CA 92253
SUBJECT: MINOR USE PERMIT 2026-0003 - CARS AND COFFEE
Dear Ms. Karimyan:
The City of La Quinta Design and Development Department has reviewed and approved Minor
Use Permit 2026-0003 for a specialty coffee shop and cafe that will offer coffee, tea, beer, wine,
and food located at 78134 Calle Tampico, Suite 160 pursuant to the findings listed in Section
9.210.025 of the La Quinta Municipal Code, subject to the information on file and the attached
conditions of approval included herein.
Findings
Consistency with General Plan. The proposed use offers coffee beverages, brewed teas,
beer, wine, and food. The use is consistent with the General Plan designation of Village
Commercial (VC) which allows for a wide range of commercial uses.
2. Consistency with Zoning Code. The proposed use is consistent with the Village
Commercial (VC) zoning designation of this area in that it is permitted, and it serves the
local and larger community areas consistent with the intent of the zone.
3. Compliance with CEQA. The Minor Use Permit is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15301(a) as it involves the minor alteration
of an existing structure with interior modifications.
4. Surrounding Uses. Approval of the application will not create conditions materially
detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare or injurious to or incompatible
with other properties or land uses in the vicinity. The proposed use is consistent with other
commercial uses in the shopping center.
Conditions of Approval
1. The applicant is required to obtain permit approval for interior modifications from the
Building Department and Riverside County Fire Department.
swim18495 Calle Tampico I fa Quinta, California 922531760.777.70001 www laquintaca.gov
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2. Installation of exterior signage requires a separate permit application to be submitted to
the Planning Department.
3. Operations shall be consistent with statement of operations and floor plan on file.
4. Special events or organized gatherings may require a separate permit application
submitted to the Planning Department at least 45 days prior to the event and must comply
with Section 9.100.130 of the La Quinta Municipal Code.
The City may elect to add Conditions to this approval to mitigate any problems that arise not
previously addressed herein. If you have any questions, please contact me at (760) 777-7195
and or by email at JLima(@LaQuintaCA.gov
Sincerely,
Jack Lima
Associate Planner
Design and Development Department
cc. David Newell, Design and Development Director
Statement of Operations
Cars & Coffee House
Proposed Use: Specialty Coffee Shop, Cafe, and Beer & Wine Establishment
Description of Proposed Use
The proposed use is the operation of a specialty coffee shop and cafe, branded as Cars & Coffee
House, offering high -quality coffee beverages, brewed teas, a full food menu, and beer and wine
service within a community -focused environment centered around automotive culture.
The establishment will serve local residents, tourists, students, professionals, and automotive
enthusiasts. The business will provide:
• Specialty espresso beverages and brewed coffee
• Brewed teas and specialty tea -based drinks
• A full cafe -style food menu consisting of pre -prepared, cold, or oven -warmed items such
as pastries, sandwiches, and light fare
• Beer and wine for on -site consumption
• Retail coffee beans and branded merchandise
The concept integrates a cafe experience with automotive culture, creating a unique social
environment. Occasional events may include:
• Cars & Coffee meetups
• Community gatherings
• Automotive-themed social events
The facility will operate primarily as a cafe with supplemental event -based activities that are
limited in frequency and duration.
Hours of Operation
The primary hours of operation will be:
Monday — Thursday:
6:30 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Friday:
6:30 a.m. —10:00 p.m.
Saturday:
7:00 a.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Sunday:
7:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Alcohol service will comply with California regulations and will generally occur during late
morning through closing hours.
Occasional early morning or evening events may occur, including Cars & Coffee meetups or
private events. These will be infrequent, limited in duration, and compliant with City of La
Quinta noise, parking, and occupancy requirements.
Staff may arrive prior to opening and remain after closing for preparation, cleaning, and
administrative duties.
Number of Employees
Staffing will be maintained at a lean operational level due to the streamlined food preparation
model.
Estimated staffing includes:
• Approximately 6 employees
o Baristas
o Shift Lead
0 Support staff (cleaning, prep, inventory)
In addition, the business will be operated by two owners who will be actively involved in daily
operations and management.
All staff will be trained in food safety, alcohol service compliance, and customer service.
Required Local, State, and Federal Licenses & Permits
Local — City of La Quinta:
• City of La Quinta Business License
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Building & Safety Approval
• Riverside County Fire Department Inspection and Clearance
• Signage Permit (if applicable)
State — California:
• California Seller's Permit
• Riverside County Health Department Food Facility Permit
• Food Handler Certifications (for applicable staff)
• California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License for Beer and Wine
Federal:
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
9 OSHA compliance for workplace safety
Types of Equipment and Processes Used
The business will utilize standard commercial coffee shop equipment along with light food
preparation equipment.
Coffee and Beverage Equipment:
• Espresso machines
• Coffee grinders
• Drip coffee brewers
• Tea brewing equipment
• Refrigeration units
• Ice machines
Food Preparation Equipment:
• Commercial convection or rapid -cook ovens (for warming food)
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Food prep counters
• Dishwashing and sanitation systems
The facility will not include grills, fryers, or stovetop cooking equipment.
Processes include:
• Coffee and tea preparation
• Warming pre -prepared food items
9 Alcohol service (beer and wine)
• Cleaning and sanitation procedures
• Inventory management and restocking
All operations will comply with applicable health, safety, and fire regulations.
Hazardous Materials Used, Stored, or Produced
The business will not use or produce significant hazardous materials.
Materials used may include:
• Cleaning and sanitation chemicals
0 Small quantities of maintenance supplies
All materials will be stored and handled in accordance with safety guidelines and applicable
regulations.
Special Characteristics of the Proposed Use
Cars & Coffee House combines a cafe, restaurant, and social gathering space with a focus on
automotive culture.
Key features include:
• Integration of coffee, tea, food, and beer/wine service
• Hosting organized automotive meetups with managed parking
• Retail coffee and branded merchandise
• Partnerships with automotive and local businesses
• A curated environment designed to attract both enthusiasts and the general public
Event -based activities will remain secondary to daily operations and will be managed to
minimize impacts on surrounding properties and the community.
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