Planning Commission approves Riverbank Food Center request to sell beer and wine

The Riverbank Planning Commission on April 15 approved a conditional use permit allowing Riverbank Food Center to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption at its downtown supermarket.

Michael Arroyo, a contract planner with the City of Riverbank, presented the application and told commissioners the store is an existing supermarket at 6524 Third Street seeking to add alcohol sales to its inventory. Arroyo said the applicant provided evidence of an "orderly, well maintained operation" and argued the use would be consistent with the downtown core designation and the city's General Plan economic development policies. He also said staff found the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Guideline 15301 for existing facilities.

Arroyo said the applicant hoped to "enhance the convenience and experience of the patrons by adding additional commodities" and that approval would help retain a local business. There were no public speakers on the item. A motion to approve the permit was made and seconded; a roll call vote returned an approval tally of 5-0.

The conditional use permit approval allows the Riverbank Food Center to pursue an Alcoholic Beverage Control license and to sell alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption subject to the conditions in the commission's resolution. Planning staff identified consistency with the city's land use and economic development policies as the basis for the recommendation.

The commission's action did not include additional conditions beyond those listed in the staff report. The resolution and conditions of approval specify operational standards and any required local permits; the transcript did not include the assessor parcel number or the full text of the conditions, which are included in the staff report filed with the city.