Richmond planning commission approves Chevron Food Mart beer-and-wine sales with conditions

The Richmond Planning Commission on January 15 voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit allowing beer and wine retail sales at the Chevron Food Mart on Hilltop (PLN25-087).

Assistant Planner Pete Seagram told the commission the 1.5-acre site meets Richmond Municipal Code distance requirements for alcohol outlets and is roughly 900 feet from nearby schools; staff recommended limiting alcohol sales to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., requiring California Alcoholic Beverage Control training for staff, electronic ID checks at the register, two-week retrieval for security camera footage and added bicycle parking. "There would be no on-site consumption" and the proposed alcohol displays would occupy less than 5% of floor area, Seagram said.

During public comment an owner/representative said the business has lost customers and faces rising property taxes and operating costs, saying security contracts are unaffordable and asking the commission to approve sales to help keep the business viable. The representative stated that property taxes were "like $80,000" and that private security cost "$6,000 per month." Those figures were presented by the speaker and not independently verified during the meeting.

Commissioners had no additional questions of staff. Commissioner (mover) moved to approve Resolution 25-03 to allow beer and wine sales with the conditions described in the staff report; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call with Chair Harrison, Vice Chair Burbank and Secretary Timmons voting yes. Staff noted the decision is subject to a 10-calendar-day appeal period to the city council.

The staff report and attachments, including the applicant's security and operations plan, are posted with the planning commission record. If appealed, the decision will go to city council; otherwise the CUP is the final local action.