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Planning commission approves claw-machine arcade at 735 East Valley Boulevard
Summary
The San Gabriel Planning Commission voted 4-0 to approve a conditional use permit for Kauai Claus, a 1,100-square-foot claw-machine arcade and retail space at 735 East Valley Boulevard, subject to standard conditions including public-safety measures recommended by the police department.
The San Gabriel Planning Commission on an uncontested 4-0 vote approved a conditional use permit for an arcade and retail business called Kauai Claus at 735 East Valley Boulevard.
The permit (planning case CUP25-008) allows a 1,100-square-foot tenant space to operate as a modern claw-machine arcade with a retail component selling toys and collectibles. Planning staff described the business as a location with 24 claw machines, counter retail and a public restroom; proposed hours are 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
Planning staff said the site is zoned MUT (mixed-use transit-oriented) within the Valley Boulevard Specific Plan and that the municipal code requires a conditional use permit for arcade uses (defined in the code as a location with more than three coin- or token-operated amusement devices). The staff report said the arcade’s parking demand — calculated under the Valley Boulevard specific plan at one space per 375 square feet of gross floor area for general commercial uses — is the same as the prior retail use; the plaza has 57 shared spaces across nine tenant businesses. The project was reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act and staff determined it is exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (existing facilities).
Commissioner Lee asked about parking impacts; staff replied the parking standard for the multi zone did not change from the previous retail use. Glenn, an on-site representative for the business, said Kauai Claus has roughly a dozen locations in and outside California and expects a customer mix of children and families — including nearby high-school students — and that weekday hours begin at 2 p.m. to capture after‑school activity.
The San Gabriel Police Department reviewed the proposal and recommended conditions of approval intended to address public-safety concerns, including a centrally monitored alarm and video surveillance; staff noted one police-recommended condition (number 21) had been removed in error and was deleted from the final conditions. Notices were mailed to property owners and tenants within 300 feet and the item was advertised in the San Gabriel Sun.
The motion to approve passed 4-0. There were no public speakers opposed.
