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Planning commission approves conditional use permit for Silly Bear Cannabis retail store
Summary
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission approved Resolution 25-12, granting a conditional use permit for Silly Bear Cannabis LLC to operate a marijuana retail facility at 8620 W. Gus Court, subject to eight conditions including installation of ADA signage and a final driveway permit.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission on a voice vote approved Resolution 25-12, granting a conditional use permit for Silly Bear Cannabis LLC to operate a marijuana retail facility at 8620 West Gus Court.
Planning staff said the subject parcel is approximately 1 acre in the Scheele Solid Subdivision, adjacent to West Gus Court and West Parks Highway, and lies within the Meadowlakes Community Council area and Assembly District 7. Staff reported the building was constructed in 2024 and that access to the site requires a borough driveway permit that is pending final inspection and issuance.
"The applicant has indicated the operation will comply with state requirements regarding employee training, security, loitering and soliciting, and the prohibition of persons 21," Planning Department staff said during the presentation. Staff also said the operation secured a marijuana retail license from the State Marijuana Control Board in a delegated status pending the planning commission permit approval.
Janine Waltzine, attorney for Silly Bear Cannabis, said the owners live in the borough and "we agree with all of staff's recommendations and conditions." The applicant team told the commission the store will not offer on-site consumption or drive-through service and that no industrial equipment that would generate noise is planned.
Staff recommended approval with eight conditions. Key conditions and clarifications included that prior to operating ADA signage must be installed according to ADA guidelines; the applicant received approval to reduce required ADA parking from two spaces to one based on ADA criteria for establishments with 1–25 parking spaces; proof of installation must be provided to the Planning Department; and the operator must obtain a final borough-issued driveway permit and provide proof to staff before opening. Staff also noted an Alaska Fire Marshal plan review had been provided and that the closest school is roughly 6,895 feet northeast of the site.
Commissioner McCabe moved to approve Resolution 25-12; Commissioner Scoggin seconded. The motion was approved by voice vote with no recorded dissents.
The planning commission's approval is a local land-use permit; the applicant must satisfy the stated conditions and maintain state licensing requirements before commencing retail operations. No public testimony opposed the application during the hearing.
Votes at a glance - Resolution: 25-12 — Conditional use permit for marijuana retail facility (Silly Bear Cannabis LLC) - Motion: Approve Resolution 25-12 (mover: Commissioner McCabe; second: Commissioner Scoggin) - Vote: Approved (voice vote; no recorded no/abstain) - Conditions noted: ADA signage and parking proof prior to operation; final borough driveway permit prior to operation; compliance with state marijuana regulations; no on-site consumption; operational hours limited per application narrative.
