A new, tiny bar is coming to Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

After a failed attempt to build a hotel, architect Kevin Moore recently won approval for his client, Henry Courtemanche, to convert an empty building into a 758-square-foot bar with outdoor dining at 42 Helena Ave.

“A hotel would have been unique, but I am very supportive of what you are doing here today,” Planning Commission member Donald DeLuccio told the applicants.

“I think this is a good spot.”

The commission recently voted 5-0 to approve a coastal development permit for the project. Members Lucille Boss and Devon Wardlow were absent.

The commercial building — midblock between East Cabrillo Boulevard and East Mason Street — is currently vacant but had been a fish processing facility.

Hotels are allowed in that part of the Funk Zone, but only with a conditional use permit, and if it serves a mixed use.

The commission last November considered granting a conditional use permit to allow for a hotel at the site, but decided that the site was too small, even for a boutique hotel.

The site is also too small for housing and no off-street parking is available either.

Moore had offered to rent bicycles at the hotel to make the project “mixed use,” but the commission rejected that idea.

So Moore returned with the idea of a bar with outdoor drinking.

“The exterior changes are minor, new landscape, trash enclosure and replacement of some doors,” he told Noozhawk.

“The interior will be transformed into a small bar with new seating on the existing deck.”

The Funk Zone has emerged over the past 15 years as one of Santa Barbara’s most popular destinations for wine, beer and trendy food.

The area, however, is also cluttered with cars, has scarce parking, and sports a mishmash of eclectic styles, including spacious warehouses and new remodels.

The neighborhood is home to traditional service businesses like auto repair shops and landscaping companies alongside high-end home furnishing centers, wine-tasting rooms and chic shops.

Moore said he doesn’t expect construction to begin until next summer.

“I am thrilled to see this project come back to us in this way,” said Roxana Bonderson, the commission chairwoman. “The best things come to those who wait.”