Planning Commission approves extended hours for Elevated cannabis retailer, requires community liaison

Planning staff asked the commission to modify an existing discretionary-review condition to allow a medical cannabis dispensary at 2442 Bayshore Boulevard to operate between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily, instead of the previously adopted 9 a.m.–7 p.m. window. Staff said the NC3 zoning does not set hour limits and recommended the standard medical-dispensary hours in Article 33 of the Health Code.

Michael Christiansen, Planning Department staff, told commissioners that the business had difficulty remaining viable under the prior hours and that the request mirrors typical hours for medical cannabis retail in the city. He reported the record included several hundred petition signatures in support and a small number of opposition emails.

Supporters, including community-based organizations and the sponsor—s supporters, described Elevated as an equity-certified, minority-owned business that contributes to community programs. Opponents questioned outreach and noticed-address accuracy and said the corridor typically had early evening closures and limited late-night activity.

Sponsor representatives said pandemic-related outreach was constrained but that the business has partnered with local nonprofits, provides deliveries and contributes to community events. The sponsor asked for extended hours to better serve customers who cannot come during daytime work hours.

Commissioners discussed compatibility with nearby commercial activity and the need for a readily reachable contact for neighbors. The commission approved the extended hours and added a standard condition requiring the operator to provide a named community liaison with contact information to the zoning administrator; the motion passed unanimously, 6–0.

The approval allows deliveries and in-store service during the extended hours under the existing permit conditions; commissioners asked staff to monitor neighborhood feedback through the required liaison.