Taft commission approves conditional use permit for accessory tobacco sales at Kern Street convenience market

The Taft Planning Commission voted unanimously on Dec. 3 to approve a conditional use permit allowing accessory tobacco sales at a proposed convenience store at 431 Kern Street.

Planning Director Luke explained the municipal code requires a CUP for any business selling tobacco products and includes a 500-foot separation rule from other tobacco retailers, parks, arcades, preschools and school routes. Staff identified an existing tobacco retailer on the north side of Kern Street that means the proposed use does not meet the separation standard. Because a CUP is discretionary, staff recommended approval with conditions where strict application of the separation standard would not serve the intent of the code, provided the operation would avoid adverse impacts and remain compatible with the downtown zone.

Staff recommended conditions including prohibiting exterior tobacco advertising, requiring a conspicuous display of the state tobacco license, landscape improvements along project frontages consistent with the downtown specific plan, and ongoing façade maintenance in a graffiti-free, clean condition. Luke told commissioners staff found the business holds the required state license to sell tobacco products.

Applicant Zach Brown said he expects to open "this Friday" (subject to deliveries), plans to sell warm food such as pizza and nachos, and intends to coordinate with neighboring businesses to support downtown activity. A motion to approve Conditional Use Permit 2025-15 (APNs 031-090-19 and -04) passed 5-0 on a roll-call vote. The resolution finds the project exempt under CEQA as an existing-facilities exemption.