Daly City planning commission tables proposal to expand cannabis overlay after staff review, public opposition
May 07, 2024 | Daly City, San Mateo County, California
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City planning staff recommended on May 7 that the Daly City Planning Commission table a proposal to rezone parcels into a commercial cannabis overlay district so the city can reconcile zoning with business-license provisions in Title 5 of the municipal code. Commissioners voted to table the item after discussion and public comment.
The staff presentation, given by Michael (city planning staff), said more time was needed to "evaluate the proposals' consistency with the cannabis regulations that are contained in the municipal code" and to review Title 5 provisions that govern licensing and operational rules for cannabis businesses. "We are going to be looking at Title 5 as well," Michael said, explaining the mapping exercise is a zoning step and must align with licensing rules.
Residents who signed up to speak urged the commission to pause the map change. "Crocker and Top of the Hill have seen an influx of smoke shops — we have over 7 within a mile of my house," said resident Natasha Opthal, who said the corridor includes schools, parks and families who walk the area. She warned adding dispensaries would increase exposure and normalize smoking and vaping to youth. Alfredo De La Rosa, a dentist and business owner on Mission Street, cited parking, traffic congestion and multiple nearby cannabis retailers and said he was concerned about enforcement and the effect on neighborhood safety.
Commissioner Satori questioned the delay and pressed city management to explain why the proposal had been pending. Staff responded that Daly City already has established cannabis zones and active businesses but that the current proposal would add two additional overlay zones; the tabling is to ensure the zoning action works with the licensing and operational sections of the municipal code.
On a roll call the commission recorded votes including Commissioner Norris — Aye; Commissioner Paniza — Aye; Commissioner Satori — No; Commissioner Faapua — Aye; Commissioner Cattoir — Aye. The motion to table passed and the item was continued to an indefinite date. Staff indicated that, if the item moves forward, the public will receive a new notice.
The public record during the meeting also included a staff clarification that the overlay under consideration would apply to cannabis dispensaries only and would not change regulations for smoke shops or liquor stores, a distinction several commenters had asked about. The commission did not take final action on zoning; staff will return with additional analysis that ties the proposed map changes to Title 5 licensing and related municipal-code provisions.
The staff presentation, given by Michael (city planning staff), said more time was needed to "evaluate the proposals' consistency with the cannabis regulations that are contained in the municipal code" and to review Title 5 provisions that govern licensing and operational rules for cannabis businesses. "We are going to be looking at Title 5 as well," Michael said, explaining the mapping exercise is a zoning step and must align with licensing rules.
Residents who signed up to speak urged the commission to pause the map change. "Crocker and Top of the Hill have seen an influx of smoke shops — we have over 7 within a mile of my house," said resident Natasha Opthal, who said the corridor includes schools, parks and families who walk the area. She warned adding dispensaries would increase exposure and normalize smoking and vaping to youth. Alfredo De La Rosa, a dentist and business owner on Mission Street, cited parking, traffic congestion and multiple nearby cannabis retailers and said he was concerned about enforcement and the effect on neighborhood safety.
Commissioner Satori questioned the delay and pressed city management to explain why the proposal had been pending. Staff responded that Daly City already has established cannabis zones and active businesses but that the current proposal would add two additional overlay zones; the tabling is to ensure the zoning action works with the licensing and operational sections of the municipal code.
On a roll call the commission recorded votes including Commissioner Norris — Aye; Commissioner Paniza — Aye; Commissioner Satori — No; Commissioner Faapua — Aye; Commissioner Cattoir — Aye. The motion to table passed and the item was continued to an indefinite date. Staff indicated that, if the item moves forward, the public will receive a new notice.
The public record during the meeting also included a staff clarification that the overlay under consideration would apply to cannabis dispensaries only and would not change regulations for smoke shops or liquor stores, a distinction several commenters had asked about. The commission did not take final action on zoning; staff will return with additional analysis that ties the proposed map changes to Title 5 licensing and related municipal-code provisions.
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