Title
Consider and take action on an ordinance authorizing a Special Use Permit Application, SUP-26-0005 (Magnolia Proof), to allow for an Alcoholic Beverage Sales use, with on-premise consumption (a cocktail bar), on approximately 2.8331 acres zoned “CG-PUD” (General Commercial within the Magnolia Creek Planned Unit Development Overlay), generally located along the north side of League City Parkway, and east of Bay Area Boulevard with the address of 4550 West League City Parkway (Director of Planning)
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 5-0-0, on July 23, 2026, subject to conditions.
Background:
Approval of this item would authorize a Special Use Permit (SUP) for a cocktail bar within an existing shopping center located at 4550 West League City Parkway.
Project Timeline
August 10, 1999 - The property was originally zoned “PUD” (Planned Unit Development) as part of the Magnolia Creek Planned Unit Development. At the time of approval, all properties within PUDs were assigned the PUD zoning designation.
August 30, 2005 - As part of the City-wide Zoning Ordinance and Map revisions, the property was reclassified as “CG-PUD” (General Commercial within a Planned Unit Development Overlay) district in accordance with the Magnolia Creek Master Plan.
September 8, 2023 - The property was platted.
September 16, 2023 - A building permit was issued for the shell retail building to begin construction.
June 6, 2026 - The applicant held a neighborhood meeting in League City. The sign-in sheet indicates no one attended the meeting.
June 17, 2026 - The applicant submitted a Special Use Permit application to the Planning Department.
July 1, 2026 - Public hearing notices were mailed to the surrounding property owners,
July 2, 2026 - A public hearing sign was posted on the property and notice was published in the newspaper and on the City’s website.
July 23, 2026 - Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to conduct a public hearing and make a recommendation to City Council.
August 11 , 2026 - City Council is scheduled to conduct a public hearing and consider the request on first reading.
August 25 , 2026 - If approved on first reading, City Council will consider the second reading of the request.
Project Summary:
The proposed cocktail bar would occupy an approximately 2,500-square-foot lease space within the existing 22,000-square-foot shopping center and includes an outdoor patio for customer seating. Prior to submittal of the application, staff confirmed that the proposed location is outside the required 300-foot separation distance from the nearby daycare to the east, which complies with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) distance requirements.
The shopping center is located within a larger five-acre commercial development in the Magnolia Creek community that has been under construction over the past several years. In 2025, City Council approved a Special Use Permit for a self-storage facility on the northeastern portion of the site, which is currently under development.
The proposed use is intended to operate as a cocktail bar, characterized by the preparation and on-premises service of mixed alcoholic beverages in a seated, lounge-style environment designed to encourage conversation and social interaction. Any entertainment is anticipated to be incidental and complementary to the overall atmosphere.
To ensure the establishment operates consistently with the use presented by the applicant, staff has recommended several conditions of approval. These conditions are intended to preserve the character and operational style of the cocktail bar while allowing reasonable flexibility for interior improvements and routine operational changes. The conditions also ensure that any significant change in the nature or intensity of the use would require additional review and potential reconsideration through an amendment to the Special Use Permit.
On July 23, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing where one resident spoke in support of the request. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the request by a vote of 5-0-0, subject to the following conditions:
1. The Special Use Permit (SUP) is approved for an on-premises alcoholic beverage establishment operating specifically as a cocktail bar, as discussed in the staff report. Any change to a different type of drinking establishment principal use (such as a dive bar, nightclub, dance hall, or sports bar) shall require approval of an amended SUP by the City Council.
2. Any material modification to the physical layout or operational characteristics of the establishment, including, but not limited to, expanded entertainment activities, an increase in occupant load, substantial revisions to the approved floor plan, or other significant operational changes, shall be reviewed by the Planning Director. If the Planning Director determines that the modification constitutes a substantial change to the approved use, an amendment to the SUP may be required.
3. The establishment shall close to the public no later than 12:00 a.m. (midnight) each day.
4. Food service shall be continuously available during all hours in which alcoholic beverages are served.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Exhibit A - Zoning Map
3. Exhibit B - Floor Plan, Interior and Exterior Illustrations
CONTRACT ORIGINATION:
Planning Department
Applicant: Jason Strickhausen of J4 Concepts LLC.
Owner: WLC Crossing, LLC
FUNDING
{X} NOT APPLICABLE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor #8 (Quality-Built Environment)