Planning Commission unanimously approves cannabis retailer at 1019 Ocean Avenue

The Planning Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 16 to approve a conditional use authorization for a proposed 888‑square‑foot cannabis retail store at 1019 Ocean Avenue, finding the project complies with applicable zoning and the city’s 600‑foot separation rule.

Planning staff recommended approval, noting the project’s compliance with Planning Code Section 202.2 and the Ocean Avenue NCT zoning district. The staff report recorded 232 letters of support at packet publication and additional support submitted afterward; letters in opposition cited proximity to schools and children. The nearest school was described in the packet as Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School, about 730 feet from the site, and the closest approved cannabis retailer is about 4,250 feet away.

"We've met with a lot of the organizations within the community," said project equity partner Patrick Hall, noting outreach to neighbors and community groups and describing the project as a locally rooted business. Sponsor Tyler Macris said they held community meetings and collected more than 150 letters of support from neighbors.

Public commenters — both in person and remote — praised the sponsors’ outreach and said a retailer could bring jobs, activate a vacant storefront and increase on‑the‑street security. Safety advocate Simon Timoney said the applicant’s thorough outreach made him "100% believe that this establishment will make the Ocean Avenue Corridor a safer and better place." Several neighborhood business owners also testified in favor.

Commissioners complimented the sponsors’ community engagement and moved to approve the project with conditions; the motion passed 7–0.

What’s next: Staff will finalize conditions of approval and the project will proceed to building permit and any required business licensing steps.