Zoning administrator approves Wawa store’s request to sell beer and wine at 834 Erwin Street

The Santa Paula zoning administrator on March 18 approved a use permit and a Public Convenience or Necessity determination for off‑sale beer and wine at the convenience store located at 834 Erwin Street.

Planner Renee Nikolak said the application requests an Alcoholic Beverage Control Type 20 license for off‑sale beer and wine and that the convenience store will remain open 24 hours while alcohol sales are limited to 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. Nikolak told the hearing staff had reviewed the application against the required findings in City Council Resolution 10299 and concluded the project meets those requirements.

“While there were more than five reported crimes, the police department has noted that they do not consider it a high crime area and did not take any issue with the determination being made,” Nikolak said, describing the department’s review.

An applicant representative who identified themselves as representing Wawa said the company’s corporate headquarters are in New Jersey and that Wawa operates roughly 150 stores; the representative described corporate training programs and said their stores generally maintain employee training to prevent alcohol‑sale issues. “They have a lot of training back there. Their company there has five full‑time trainers,” the applicant representative said.

After hearing no in‑room public comment, the zoning administrator adopted staff’s recommendation and approved the use permit and Public Convenience or Necessity determination subject to the findings and the listed conditions. The administrator noted the standard appeal period applies.

The decision allows the applicant to pursue an ABC Type 20 off‑sale license and move forward with any building or licensing steps required by other city departments and state agencies. If appealed, the decision will be reviewed within the timeframe set by city procedures.