Salinas planning commission upholds approval for Dave & Buster’s at Northridge Mall, denies appeal

The Salinas Planning Commission voted on Sept. 3 to deny an appeal and uphold the city planner’s approval of a conditional use permit (CUP 2024‑024) to allow a 23,412‑square‑foot Dave & Buster’s with on‑sale alcohol (Type 47 ABC license) at 1104 Northridge Mall. Commissioner Meeks moved to approve a resolution finding the project exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15301 (Existing Facilities) and to deny the appeal; Commissioner Rook seconded the motion, and all commissioners present voted yes.

The matter drew nearly an hour and a half of public testimony and back‑and‑forth between the mall operator, the applicant team and city staff. The appeal argued the city’s CEQA exemption was improper for a change from a vacant department store to a late‑night entertainment venue and raised public‑safety and nuisance concerns. The applicant and Salinas Police Department staff said proposed conditions address those concerns.

Staff presentation and recommended action

Tom Wiles, senior planner, told the commission that a notice of intent to approve was posted July 3, 2025, and that no formal protest was received during the 10‑day NOI period, but an appeal was filed on July 25. Wiles said staff recommended a resolution finding the project exempt from CEQA under Guideline §15301(a) and affirming the city planner’s approval of CUP 2024‑024.

What the project would do

The permit covers a 23,412‑square‑foot commercial…