Stockton Planning Commission Meeting - April 11, 2024

The Planning Commission of Stockton, California, held a meeting on April 11, 2024, at 5:30 PM, adjourning at 6:01 PM. Commissioners present: Anne Mallett, Brenda Jones, Waqar Rizvi, Greg Thompson, Gurneel Boparai (Vice Chair), and Terry Hull (Chair). The meeting included approval of previous meeting minutes, a public hearing on a zoning map amendment for 709 North Center Street, and a public hearing on a commission use permit for a cannabis retail storefront at 1137 South Stockton Street. No public comments were received. Staff provided updates on the warehouse ordinance and commissioner iPads, and commissioners offered comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Planning Commission Minutes The commission considered minutes from December 14, 2023, January 25, 2024, and February 22, 2024. A motion to approve passed 6-0. For the February 8, 2024 minutes, Commissioners Jones and Thompson recused themselves (they were unable to review the minutes). A separate motion passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comments during the public comment period or during the public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Zoning Map Amendment for 709 North Center Street (APN 137-180-30) Staff presented a request from the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin to rezone a 0.81-acre parcel from Commercial, Neighborhood (CN) to Residential, High Density (RH) to facilitate a supportive housing project. The amendment would allow the three parcels to be merged, avoiding a split-zoned parcel. The existing office building is being converted into 51 units of supportive housing. Commissioner Thompson disclosed that the applicant is a customer of his bank but he has no financial interest; the city attorney confirmed no recusal needed. No public comments. The commission voted to recommend the City Council adopt the ordinance.
• Commission Use Permit for Cannabis Retail Storefront at 1137 South Stockton Street Staff presented a request to establish a cannabis retail storefront (3,750 sq ft, 1,455 sq ft sales floor) in an existing industrial building. The applicant, Embark, won the city's cannabis lottery (general pool) and meets all location and separation requirements. The project provides 12 parking spaces (7 required), 24-hour on-site security, and 17 full-time employees. A neighborhood meeting on April 3, 2024, had no attendees. Vice Chair Boparai recused himself due to a family business within 500 feet. Commissioner Thompson asked about parking for employees; the applicant noted shift scheduling and potential lease of additional spaces. The commission approved the use permit.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Map Amendment (Item 5.1): Approved Resolution 2024-04-11-0501 recommending City Council adoption of the rezone ordinance. Vote: 6-0.
• Cannabis Retail Storefront (Item 5.2): Approved Resolution 2024-04-11-0502 granting a Commission Use Permit. Vote: 5-0 (Vice Chair Boparai recused).
• No new business or unfinished business.

Reports & Communications

• Michael McDowell, Deputy Director, provided an update on the warehouse ordinance, stating a public hearing is scheduled for May 9, 2024, with a goal for City Council action by July. He also informed commissioners that their iPads need a reboot/upgrade, which IT will coordinate.

Commissioner Comments

• Vice Chair Boparai raised a concern about the development code limiting flagpole height to 60 feet, while applicants often need 80 feet for American flags. He will work with staff on a potential code amendment or variance.
• Chair Hull thanked staff for their support.
• Commissioner Mallet commended the Chair for leading the meeting efficiently.

The meeting adjourned at 6:01 PM.