Stockton Planning Commission Meeting - September 10, 2026

The Stockton Planning Commission met on September 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The main item was a request to transfer an approved cannabis retail storefront use permit from 1137 South Stockton Street to 4975 West Lane and to establish a non-storefront delivery-only business. After extensive discussion and public testimony, the commission voted 4-2 to approve the project. The meeting also covered consent calendar approvals and public comment on other topics.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the April 23, 2026, and May 14, 2026, meetings by a 4-0 vote (Commissioner Amen absent). The minutes from the May 28, 2026, meeting were tabled to a future meeting due to insufficient commissioner review.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: Mary Elizabeth, a Stockton resident, spoke about the lack of implementation of the general plan’s provisions for mapping “problem uses” (e.g., alcohol, smoke shops, cannabis) to correlate business and crime in overburdened areas.
• Public Hearing on Cannabis Use Permit: Approximately 38 public comment cards were submitted. Speakers included:
  • Supporters: Representatives from UFCW Local 8 (union), several Embark employees, and community members cited the company’s commitment to union jobs, good neighbor policies, security, and prior performance at their Arch Road location. Many urged approval.
  • Opponents: Neighboring business owners (Outdoor Sportsmen, Palms Banquet Hall) expressed concerns about parking, traffic, safety, and proximity to a firearms retailer. They noted the potential for increased crime, loitering, and incompatibility with event spaces. A local attorney representing a competing cannabis store also spoke against the project, citing parking inadequacy.

Discussion Items

• 5.1 – Cannabis Use Permit Transfer (4975 West Lane):
  • Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Arduro Carrasco explained that the applicant, Embark, had an approved retail use permit at 1137 South Stockton Street (approved April 2024) but sought to transfer to a new central location at 4975 West Lane due to site feasibility issues (floodplain seawall costs). The new site meets all code requirements (300 ft from residential, 600 ft from sensitive uses, 1,000 ft from other cannabis retailers). The project is categorically exempt from CEQA. Staff recommended approval.
  • Commissioner Questions: Commissioners inquired about security plan monitoring, parking, reciprocal parking agreements, and the city’s experience with cannabis-related crime. Police Captain Ryan Terrell stated no crime trends linked to dispensaries and noted that the former smoke shop at the site operated illegally without crime issues. The applicant confirmed unionization, 24/7 surveillance, limited cash on site, and a community investment fund (1% of sales).
  • Applicant Presentation: Lauren Carpenter (CEO) and Josh Lewis emphasized Embark’s local roots, track record at their Stockton location (open two months without incident), security protocols, and commitment to being a good neighbor. They noted that the West Lane location is a vacant building and will bring investment and security to the corridor.
  • Opposition Concerns: Outdoor Sportsmen owner cited federal firearm laws and potential liability for selling to cannabis users. Palms Banquet Hall owner worried about parking conflicts during events. A competing cannabis attorney argued that the applicant’s volume would overwhelm the 13 on-site parking spaces.
  • Commission Deliberation: Commissioners discussed saturation in District 4 (where the site is located), but noted the applicant met all land-use criteria. Some expressed trust in Embark’s operations. Commissioners Graves and Hernandez voted no, citing overconcentration and unanswered neighbor concerns. Chair Hull, Vice Chair Sanguinetti, Commissioner Oakes, and Commissioner Crowder voted yes, emphasizing the property rights and the applicant’s demonstrated responsibility.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve: Made by Vice Chair Sanguinetti, seconded by Commissioner Oakes. Passed 4-2 (Chair Hull, Vice Chair Sanguinetti, Commissioners Oakes and Crowder in favor; Commissioners Graves and Hernandez opposed; Commissioner Amen recused).
• Conditions: Approval is subject to the conditions in the proposed resolution, including security plan approval by Stockton PD, compliance with all distance requirements, and voluntary surrender of the existing use permit at 1137 South Stockton Street.
• Appeal Period: Any party may appeal the decision within ten days pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code Section 16.100.020.
• Other: The May 28, 2026, minutes were tabled for future consideration.