Planning Commission Debates Rentals, Alcohol Hours Expansion

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Walnut Creek planners face a packed agenda tonight covering residential short-term rentals and downtown nightlife regulations.

Two short-term rental proposals and a request to extend alcohol service hours at a Locust Street restaurant topped the agenda.

Mandarin Lane short-term rental proposal

City officials will consider a short-term rental at 635 Mandarin Lane, where the applicant seeks approval to operate a single-family home for up to 30-day stays under the Bed and Breakfast Inns ordinance.

The owner, who does not live on-site, proposes using an off-site manager for bookings, rule enforcement, and guest issues. This non-hosted rental in a residential zone requires findings on neighborhood compatibility and public welfare.

More than a dozen residents said in letters that they oppose short-term rentals in the neighborhood. They asked Walnut Creek officials to reject the proposal in order to protect the "safety, privacy, and character" of the neighborhood.

Commission weighs downtown alcohol service

In a separate item, commissioners will also consider extending alcohol service at the Daryoush restaurant, 1534 Locust St., until 12:30 a.m. Customers would be allowed to consume alcohol until 1 a.m., seven days a week.

Under the restaurant's current permit, alcohol service stops at 11 p.m.

The new request applies only to indoor service; outdoor alcohol sales remain capped at 11 p.m.

The Walnut Creek Police Department reported no calls for service related to the business and said the department would not oppose the new hours.

The owners operate surveillance cameras and provide "Responsible Beverage Service training," according to the agenda.

Planning staff said the request aligns with downtown Pedestrian Retail zoning goals, where restaurants and entertainment venues already operate with extended hours. They recommended approval based on the city’s municipal code and the restaurant’s history.

Castle Hill Road Short-Term Rental

A separate proposal for a short-term rental at 1790 Castle Hill Road was postponed.

The proposal included a rental in a single-family home at 1792 Castle Hill Road.

The proposal caps stays at 28 days and does not allow parties, smoking, or unregistered guests. It provides smart-lock access, driveway parking, and monitored quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., according to the proposal.

The Planning Commission meeting begins at 6 p.m. and is available online and in person.