CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2025-023; APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF AN OFF-SALE ALCOHOL RELATED USE (TYPE 21 ABC LICENSE) LOCATED AT THE LAUREL WEST SHOPPING CENTER AT 1018 NORTH DAVIS ROAD Tuesday, January 27, 2026
City Council
Thomas Wiles, Senior Planner
Community Development Department
Executive Summary
Applicant: Simon Maida
Rexford Title Inc., Property Owner
Use: Off-sale alcohol
Type 21 ABC license – Beer, Wine, & Distilled Spirits
Laurel West Shopping Center
Existing 2,618 sf. space
Clink Liquor Store
Background
Zone: Commercial Retail (CR)
Surrounding uses:
Commercial, Government, & Residential
November 19, 2025 – Planning Commission denied CUP
December 1, 2025 - Applicant appealed CUP denial
January 13, 2026 - Original City Council Hearing date, and continued to January 27, 2026 Public Notice:
December 19, 2025 – Mailed and posted on-site, City Hall, and Permit Center December 25, 2025 – Published in the Monterey County Weekly Background (cont.)
Discussion
Undue Concentration
Number of Outlets in CT 18.02
Five (5) Allowed
Six (6) Active
Seven (7) if CUP approved
Crime
PRD does not exceed undue concentration
Salinas Police Department does not object
Anticipated increase in Police services
Planning Commission Denial/Appeal
November 19, 2025 – Planning Commission denied the CUP
3-2 vote
Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity was not established:
Too close to a similar off-sale alcohol related use
Too close to a school
Concerns of increased DUI accidents
Planning Commission Denial/Appeal (Cont.)
Applicant’s appeal cites Zoning Code Section 37-60-1280(a)(1-4):
(1) A determination or interpretation that is not in accord with the purposes of this article; (2) There was an error or abuse of discretion;
(3) The record includes inaccurate information; or
(4) A decision is not supported by the record.
Conclusion
Alternatives Available to Council
Uphold appeal and CUP remains denied
Overturn appeal and approve the CUP
CEQA Determination:
If appeal upheld - Section 15270
If appeal overturned – Section 15061(b)(3)
Questions?