Planning commission approves Circle K permit to sell beer and wine at Fourth Street location

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission voted 5-0 on May 8 to approve a conditional use permit (CUP24-047) allowing the existing Circle K/76 convenience store at 2799 Fourth Street to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption. The motion was moved by Commissioner Sisco and seconded by Commissioner Pardo.

Staff said the project requires no interior or exterior changes and was reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act and found to be exempt as an existing-facilities project. Hana Michaelson, contract planner for the project, told the commission the site is a fully developed commercial center at the intersection of Fourth Street and Farmers Lane, adjacent to the Flamingo Hotel and near a senior housing complex, other retail, and transit-oriented development.

The decision matters because the site is within walking distance of multiple retail and hospitality uses. At the hearing, commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about local concentrations of alcohol retailers, safety and loitering near the creek, and the city’s limited authority to restrict hours of alcohol sales.

Michaelson said two public comments had been received during the review: one asking whether gas stations in Santa Rosa can sell beer and wine…