Planning commission approves NorCal Bottle Shop permit to sell distilled spirits at 2820 East Street

The City of Sacramento Planning and Design Commission on Aug. 27 approved a conditional-use permit (P26-007) allowing distilled-spirits sales with a Type 21 license at 2820 East Street, after staff recommended approval and no members of the public spoke during the hearing.

"This application is for a conditional use permit to authorize the sale of distilled spirits with a type 21 license, in an existing retail store within the limited commercial zone in the Central City Special Planning District," said Sierra Peterson, associate planner with the Community Development Department, who presented the staff report and recommended the commission approve the entitlements. Peterson noted the location previously held Type 20 (beer and wine) licenses under prior operators since 1983 and that the new operator intends to reopen the convenience store once the alcohol license is granted.

Peterson said the project was noticed to residents, property owners and neighborhood associations within 500 feet of the site and that staff received one online e-comment before publication of the staff report but no formal public-comment speakers. During commission questions, Commissioner Ortiz asked whether staff had heard neighborhood concerns; staff confirmed the single e-comment and that the Police Department suggestions had been reviewed.

A motion to adopt staff's recommendation was made for P26-007; the motion was moved by Commissioner Nyebo and seconded by Commissioner Gores. The clerk called the roll and the commission approved the entitlements by voice vote; no individual vote tallies were recorded in the transcript.

The approved permit authorizes the sale of distilled spirits at the site once the operator obtains the appropriate state liquor license. The commission staff report and the applicant's materials were presented at the public hearing.