The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission recently approved plans to expand and remodel a McDonald’s restaurant on East Grand Avenue, which will provide “a nice facelift for a very visible property,” Community Development Director Teresa McClish said.

The fast-food restaurant at 410 E. Grand Ave. was built in the 1970s and includes a 3,119-square-foot building, a 1,331-square-foot basement and a 1,385-square-foot playground.

The applicant, Mel Cruz, plans to add about 500 square feet to the building, enclose the playground area, add signs and plant 26 trees. A portion of the existing playground area will be converted into outdoor seating.

Improvements will also be made to the parking lot, and a second drive-through lane will be added. The drive-through will be open 24 hours.

Planning commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 18 to approve a permit with some conditions for the renovation.

The renovation will allow the McDonald’s to expand, conform to its corporate standards and “provides a welcome facelift for that section of town,” McClish said.