Planning Commission approves cannabis retail CUA at 1196 Pacific Ave amid strong neighborhood opposition (6-0)

The Planning Commission voted unanimously (6-0) on Oct. 20 to approve a conditional use authorization for a cannabis retail store at 1196 Pacific Avenue. Planning staff told the commission the site passed the city's 600-foot separation requirements from K'12 schools and other brick-and-mortar cannabis retailers and recommended approval with conditions including a good-neighbor policy, an on-site ambassador/security presence and an explicit reminder to customers that off-site consumption is prohibited.

Nick Foster, planning staff, said the proposed retail space is about 940 square feet, would not allow on-site consumption and would help spread retail locations into parts of the city with fewer dispensaries. Foster also noted the applicant is an equity applicant, a priority for the Office of Cannabis, and that public comment had been voluminous: staff had received letters both supporting and opposing the project and a change.org petition opposing it.

Dozens of neighborhood speakers testified during the public-comment period, citing concerns about narrow sidewalks, a bus stop adjacent to the storefront, the presence of seniors and children on the block, parking and traffic impacts, and the potential for loitering or crime. Several speakers said they preferred other neighborhood-serving retail (a deli, laundromat or grocery) instead of a dispensary. Supporters, including equity advocates and some residents, urged the commission to approve the proposal to expand equitable ownership opportunities and to activate a long-vacant storefront.

Commission deliberations balanced those neighborhood concerns against staff's objective findings on location and the city's equity goals. Commissioner Diamond moved to approve staff's recommendation with the added condition that the applicant remind customers that consumption is not permitted off-site; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously 6-0. The commission's approval includes the conditions listed in the staff report and the additional off-site consumption reminder requirement.