Glendale hearing officer takes under submission Paperback Brewing Company’s CUP renewal and wine-license request

The Planning Hearing Officer in Glendale took under submission on May 21 a request from Paperback Brewing Company to renew its conditional use permit for an existing tavern/brewery at 422 Magnolia Avenue and to add a California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Type 2 wine manufacturer license; the hearing officer said a written decision will be mailed to the applicant and to persons who participated in the hearing.

Case planner staff presented the application, saying the site is a 7,431-square-foot trapezoidal lot in the IND (Industrial) zone with a single-tenant Quonset-style building occupying about 5,781 square feet and a grain silo at the front northeast corner. The planner reported that the request proposes no physical changes to the site or new equipment and that the use would continue as a tavern and brewery with on-site consumption, on- and off-site sales. Staff said no major departmental objections were received and recommended approval subject to draft conditions in the staff report.

Chris Sesnick, identified as a co-owner and applicant for Paperback Brewing Company, told the hearing the business "concur[s] with the findings and the staff recommendation for approval, and we do agree with the draft conditions that have been presented." Sesnick said the brewery operates in a distinctive Quonset-hut building and that the requested Type 2 license would allow the business to produce wine and cider using existing fermenters and equipment, bringing in grapes or juice rather than expanding the facility. He described Paperback as a community hub and said the operation employs about 25 people, roughly one-third full time.

Joe Tremba, introduced himself as Paperback’s tasting-room manager and said he had nearly 30 years of industry experience. Tremba spoke in support of the application and said, "I 100% support the people behind me." No written public comments or opposing testimony were reported by staff; one speaker card was filed and the applicant spoke in person.

During questioning, the hearing officer asked whether the outdoor patio shown on one site plan lay on an adjacent parcel. Sesnick acknowledged an earlier incorrect site plan had been uploaded, said he had since updated it, and explained that the patio was made available through the neighbor’s agreement and that no new tenant improvements were required for the requested wine production. Staff noted a building-and-safety comment about submitted floor plans and potential tenant-improvement permits; Sesnick responded that no new equipment or mashing of grapes on site was planned.

At the close of testimony the hearing officer said he would take the case under submission and prepare a written decision. He instructed that the decision letter will be sent to the applicant and to persons who spoke or provided contact information and noted the appeal provisions under Title 30, Chapter 30.62 of the Glendale Municipal Code allow appeals to the Planning Commission within 15 days of the decision date on the letter.

The application file is identified as PCUP004490-2025. Further administrative steps — including the planning hearing officer’s written decision and any subsequent appeal — will determine whether the renewal and license amendment are approved, approved with conditions, or denied.