Planning commission revokes Saint's Place conditional use permit at 728 South Vail

The Montebello Planning Commission voted unanimously on June 4 to revoke the conditional use permit for Saint's Place, a commercial cannabis operator at 728 South Vail, citing a state enforcement action and unpaid city obligations.

Staff told the commission that Saint's Place had been the subject of a state enforcement action in February 2025 and was no longer allowed to operate in the city. Director Palomino said the operator also had failed to fulfill financial obligations to the city and had not shown measurable progress on development, which together provided the grounds for revocation under the city's policies.

The discussion included public comments from Mr. Chung, who identified himself as the CEO and owner of Luna Caregivers, the adjacent building, and asked the commission for a continuance to allow the city time to evaluate whether a compliant operator could occupy the site. "I'm simply asking for a little bit more time," Mr. Chung said, asking that the CUP remain in place while options are explored. Landlord Sarkis Tagian said he and his partner had been hurt financially and urged the commission to permit the neighboring operator to continue operations rather than force demolition. "We are the victim ... Our lives have been violated," Tagian said, describing financial strain and requesting consideration.

Staff and commissioners clarified that the conditional use permit "runs with the land," and that transfers or modifications are treated as modifications subject to the municipal code provisions adopted by the city council (Resolution 25-92). Staff also noted a municipal code provision allowing revocation when a CUP is abandoned for a specified period and reported at least $93,700 in city fees due on the site, plus potential late fees.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to revoke Conditional Use Permit number 0-19 (and its associated amendment 0-19-M1) for the commercial cannabis operation at 728 South Vail with the staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote (Commissioner Morales, Vice Chairperson Lomeli and Chairperson Medina voting in favor).

The commission's action applies to the Saint's Place location at 728 South Vail and, as staff and commissioners made clear, does not automatically revoke or alter separate permits held by adjacent operators at different addresses. The commission closed the item and proceeded to other business.