Planning commissioners approve 7-Eleven alcohol sales and late-night use permit with security conditions

The Lake Forest Planning Commission on June 5 approved a use permit allowing 7-Eleven at 24366 Murelins Boulevard to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits and to operate during late-night hours, subject to security upgrades and a validity condition tying the permit to issuance of a Type 21 license by the state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

The permit, recommended by city staff, requires the store to maintain the approved floor plan, employee ABC training and to secure the rear landscaped area with fencing and camera coverage. Staff reported 37 Orange County Sheriff’s Department calls for service at or near the store from April 2022 to April 2025, eight of which occurred between midnight and 5 a.m. Connor Musler, a staff planner, said, “In total, there were 37 calls for service with 8 of 37 occurring during the late night hours.”

Why it matters: The store has operated at this location since 1993 with alcohol sales and as a 24-hour operation prior to changes in Lake Forest’s zoning code. Because those activities predate code changes, they are classified as legal nonconforming; the applicant’s proposed expansion triggered the current use-permit review. The commission’s action formalizes conditions for continuing those operations under current zoning standards.

Staff presented a plan showing existing off-sale alcohol displays and the proposed locked, employee-accessible distilled spirits cabinet. The applicant sought flexibility on a standard planning condition that late-night shifts include at least two employees; staff added a validity statement to the draft resolution making the permit effective only upon issuance of a Type 21 license, and the applicant indicated that resolved its staffing concern. Bruce Evans, speaking for the applicant, said, “They've already solicited bids, and we expect the fence will be installed, bridal of next week. The video camera has already been installed. We'll work with staff if additional lighting is needed.”

The commission also discussed crime and safety concerns related to the rear landscaped area. Musler told commissioners the rear area is lighted but open to Ridge Route Drive; staff added a draft condition requiring fencing and an additional security camera and said staff would work with the applicant to satisfy that condition. The city’s chief of police services reviewed the application and did not raise concerns, the staff report said.

The commission voted to adopt the resolution approving the use permit, with the permit’s effectiveness conditioned on issuance of a Type 21 ABC license and the applicant agreeing to the specified security measures.

What’s next: The use permit becomes effective when the Type 21 license is issued and when the required security measures are confirmed by staff. Any future changes to alcohol locations or the business’ layout that differ from the approved plans would require additional review.