Walnut Creek Planning Commission Meeting - June 11, 2026

The Walnut Creek Planning Commission met on June 11, 2026, at 5:15 PM (local time) to consider several land use applications including conditional use permits for a tumbling studio, a mobile pediatric trailer, and a dental office expansion. All items were approved unanimously, with one abstention on the consent calendar. Commissioner Klopp was absent.

Consent Calendar

• Item Y2506 (not specified in transcript) was approved on consent. Commissioner Strongman abstained; all other commissioners voted yes.

Discussion Items

• Spark Athletics (CUP Y2659) – Located at 1920 Mount Diablo Boulevard. Applicant Erin Creasey proposed a tumbling and cheerleading instructional studio for ages 18 months to 18 years. Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. Classes held in an open format with 8–10 participants per 45–60 minute session, staffed by 2–4 instructors. The space has been vacant for about 18 months. No exterior modifications. Staff recommended approval, finding the use compatible with neighborhood-serving businesses and activating a vacant space.
• UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Temporary Pediatric Trailer (SUP Y2555) – Located at 2401 Shadelands Drive. Request for a 24-month special use permit to place a mobile pediatric primary care trailer in the parking lot, occupying three spaces. The trailer would operate two days per month (Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), serving patients who have difficulty accessing the Oakland site. The facility is a federally qualified health center targeting underinsured populations. The trailer would provide exams and vaccinations; the building houses specialty care. Staff noted a similar MRI trailer was approved in April 2025 and expires October 2026. The parking lot has 473 spaces, so the impact is less than 1%.
• Spring Dental (CUP Y26015) – Located at 2985 North Main Street. Applicant Dr. Bahar Tehrani sought to expand an existing dental office into an adjacent vacant space (formerly a tattoo shop). The existing 1,100 sq ft office (approved in 2008 via a special use permit with a retail condition) would add four more treatment rooms, a sterilization room, and retail space, totaling eight treatment rooms. Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., treating 15–18 patients daily. The commission was required to find that the location is not suitable for retail use due to its interior configuration and limited visibility, a finding from the 2008 permit. The applicant agreed to maintain 200 sq ft of retail (100 sq ft in each unit) but noted retail is a minor part of the business. After discussion, commissioners expressed support, noting the location's struggles with retail and the success of the dental practice. The new CUP would supersede the 2008 SUP without requiring retail, though the applicant may continue selling dental products.

Key Outcomes

• Spark Athletics: Motion to approve the conditional use permit and CEQA exemption passed 6-0 (Commissioner Klopp absent).
• UCSF Pediatric Trailer: Motion to approve the special use permit and CEQA exemption passed 6-0.
• Spring Dental: Motion to approve the conditional use permit and CEQA exemption passed 6-0.
• Staff Updates:
  • The Taiwanese Cultural Center project (approved September 2025) has a new architect; staff will review the revised design at the staff level and provide a memo to the commission.
  • A joint commission study session on the General Plan update is scheduled for June 25, 2026.
  • Recognition of Chip Griffin, retiring after 15 years with the city.
  • The sign ordinance update is approximately 90% complete; next steps include design review committee and public comment.