Half Moon Bay Planning Commission Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission met on February 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM to consider a use permit for distilled spirits at 730 Main Street and a coastal development permit for a fence replacement along Pilarcitos Creek. Both items were approved unanimously after public comment and deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the January 27, 2026, meeting by a unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 1 (730 Main Street): Joe Laster, a nearby resident, expressed concern that the downstairs patio area could become a drinking spot, despite historic beer and wine consumption there.
• Item 2 (Strawflower Fence): Paul Yoshida, a landowner on Bellevue Avenue, spoke in favor of extending the fence to prevent access around its end. Michelle Dragoni, a resident who walks and bikes, requested that some dirt area alongside the sidewalk be kept clear (e.g., gravel) to allow pedestrians to step aside safely, as the four-foot sidewalk is insufficient.

Discussion Items

• Use Permit for Distilled Spirits at 730 Main Street (Hapoom Bay Brew Company): Staff Planner Scott Phillips presented the request to allow distilled spirits as accessory to full meals, similar to the previous restaurant (Sacrilege Brewery). The restaurant would operate 11 AM to 10 PM with occasional special events. The existing outdoor patio would serve beer, wine, and now distilled spirits; no expansion of use was proposed. Chair Gorn recused himself due to a conflict of interest (his podcast collaboration with a newspaper board member), and Commissioner Reddick chaired the item. The applicant confirmed full-service dining with supervised patio. Only one supportive letter was received (from Stark Gallery). The commission discussed the downstairs area, historic alcohol service, and signage handled administratively. No opposition from neighbors.
• Coastal Development Permit for Strawflower Shopping Center Fence: Staff presented the project to replace 1,000 feet of dilapidated fence along Pilarcitos Creek to prevent encampments and dumping. The new fence would be a chain-link (anti-climb, smaller diamond mesh) placed within five feet of the parking lot curb. An initial study and categorical exemption were prepared, with avoidance measures including pre-construction surveys and on-site biologists. The fence would be maintained through a contract with a local vendor. Discussion included fence aesthetics (galvanized vs. black, painting concerns), extending the fence to the Bellevue neighborhood (requires private property agreement), and the need to push the fence back a few feet to improve sidewalk space for pedestrians/bikes (noted as challenging due to permitting and vegetation). The commission also addressed public safety and riparian restoration.

Key Outcomes

• Motion 1 (Use Permit): Approved 4-0 (Commissioner Hernandez absent). Commissioner Rems moved to approve with findings in Exhibit A and conditions in Exhibit B; seconded and passed by roll call.
• Motion 2 (CDP for Fence): Approved 4-0. Commissioner Reddick moved to approve the resolution as amended: remove the hold harmless agreement, commit to a smaller diamond mesh (anti-climb), and direct staff to proactively explore extending the fence westward (toward Bellevue). Commissioner Del Negro seconded; passed by roll call.
• Director’s Report: The Housing Element was conditionally certified by HCD, but the city is now out of compliance until rezoning mapping is completed (estimated four months). The upcoming meeting on February 27, 2026, may be canceled. An RFP for the implementation plan update is circulating; consultant selection and meetings likely in April.
• Commissioner Communications: Commissioner Reddick and Commissioner Rems noted they will be absent from the March 10, 2026, meeting.