Monterey planning commission approves San Pedro Fish Market renovations at 30 Wharf No. 1

The Monterey Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve an architectural review permit for renovations at 30 Wharf No. 1, a two‑story, approximately 17,500‑square‑foot building on the wharf that the applicant says will house a San Pedro Fish Market location.

Senior associate planner Chris Schmidt told the commission the proposal (ARP-25-0222) includes full interior renovations of both floors and the deck, new storefront glazing and doors facing the wharf walkway, replacement roofing, rooftop mechanical systems and screening, a new elevator, seismic upgrades and updated exterior finishes. “So with that, staff recommends approval,” Schmidt said.

The staff report says the project does not increase the building footprint and that limited height increases are confined to mechanical screening. Staff made the four required architectural review findings: the design’s site, form and massing are appropriate to the surrounding area; views, privacy and the living environment are not unreasonably impaired; the project is consistent with the city’s plans and design guidelines (including the Monterey Harbor coastal land use plan); and the exterior materials and finishes are appropriate for the waterfront setting.

Architect Jason McCarthy, representing the applicant, described the proposal as a marketplace‑style dining concept intended to reinvigorate the wharf with family‑oriented dining and an open fish market. “The San Pedro Fish Market is a really vibrant, exciting family‑oriented dining concept that’s focused around a marketplace venue,” McCarthy said, adding that the design aims to be inviting to visitors and to fit within the wharf vernacular.

Commissioners asked whether the project increases seating and whether a water permit would be required for expanded restaurant use. Staff said there is no existing restaurant on the site today and that the project will require a water permit; because the site is city owned, water credits would be provided through the lease. City property manager Jan Aldrey told the commission the lease term is 10 years with options to extend.

With no members of the public speaking on the item, a commissioner moved to approve the architectural review permit and the motion passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote. The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 days; staff noted application and appeal procedures are available online and at the planning office.

City staff and the applicant said rooftop mechanical equipment will be screened and that designers will specify high‑performance, weathering materials to resist corrosion in the marine environment. Signage is not part of this application and will be the subject of a future submittal.

The commission’s approval clears the way for the tenant improvements described in the staff report; the staff report lists an anticipated opening in March of next year per the lease, though the commission’s action today concerns only the architectural review findings and not lease execution or business licensing.