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Planning commission grants use permit for Sea Shack Candy Company in Carmel Square
Summary
Commissioners approved a use permit for a Scandinavian sweet shop in Carmel Square; staff said the small 275‑sq. ft. tenant fit the specialty food store criteria and the project was exempt from CEQA.
The Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea Planning Commission on May 14 approved a use permit for a new retail food business, Sea Shack Candy Company, proposed for a small space in Carmel Square.
Lede: Staff described the proposed shop as a Scandinavian‑style specialty candy retailer offering a mix‑and‑match self‑serve selection and packaged imports; the commission adopted the staff resolution and findings and voted unanimously to approve the permit.
Nut graf: The proposed tenant will occupy an existing approximately 275‑square‑foot space that previously housed an art gallery. Staff found the change of retail tenant consistent with the municipal code and recommended a categorical CEQA exemption because the location remains a retail use in an existing commercial building.
Details: Planning staff summarized the proposal as a self‑serve “pick and mix” retail candy shop anchored on Scandinavian imports with some domestic candy as well. Staff said minimal interior modifications are proposed — new shelving, a cash wrap and fresh paint — and no exterior changes that would require building permit work. The applicant’s proposed hours are weekdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Restroom and waste handling will use existing shared facilities in the Carmel Square courtyard.
CEQA and findings: Staff recommended the standard finding that the project is exempt from environmental review because it maintains the existing commercial use in the built space (CEQA categorical exemption for existing facilities). Staff prepared affirmative findings for the specialty food store and the commercial use permit and recommended approval without special conditions.
Commission action: A commissioner moved to accept staff’s resolution “as per staff” and a second was made; a five‑zero roll‑call vote approved the use permit. The planning record will document the adopted findings and the applicant may proceed with tenant‑improvement details that do not require a building permit.
Why it matters: The action demonstrates the city’s routine permitting of small downtown retail tenants and clarifies staff and the commission’s interpretation that limited interior changes retaining commercial use are CEQA‑exempt and can proceed by discretionary use permit with standard findings.
Provenance: The Sea Shack item was heard in the public hearings section; staff presented the proposal and the commission voted to adopt the resolution in the same hearing.
