Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · October 14, 2025
Minutes
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MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
4:00 – 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC STREET
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Latasa, Bluth, Brassfield, Dawson, Freeman
Absent: Silva
Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, City Attorney Davi, Recording Secretary
Barrera
***Afternoon Session Agenda Only***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chair Latasa called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Recording Secretary Barrera
announced staff present and provided information to the public about how to participate by
calling in to give public comment on the live web meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
2. September 23, 2025 (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and under
General Rule Article 5 Section 15061)
ACTION: Approved as submitted
On a motion by Commissioner Bluth seconded by Commissioner Dawson and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved the September 23, 2025, Minutes:
AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa, Bluth, Brassfield, Freeman
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Silva
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
PUBLIC HEARING
3. Recommending Approval of Amendments to Chapter 38 of the Monterey City Code to
Establish Regulations and Development Standards for Firearms and Ammunition Retail
Sales Uses and Amending the Home Occupation Permit Procedures (Not a Project Under
CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
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ACTION: Approved a Resolution Recommending that the City Council Approve
Amendments to Chapter 38 of the Monterey City Code to Establish Regulations and
Development Standards for Firearms and Ammunition Retail Sales Uses and Amending
the Home Occupation Permit Procedures
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Planning Manager Hill presented the Agenda Report and responded to Commissioners’
questions. City Attorney Christine Davi responded to Commissioners’ questions regarding the
regulatory changes to the ordinance and the zoning code amendments.
Public Comments
Colin Gallagher, owner of Gallagher Ammunition, gave a public comment.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Brassfield questioned the connection to burglaries and the location to firearms
uses and expressed that the proposed changes would negatively impact businesses. He spoke
against the recommendation.
Commissioner Bluth asked for a visual that would illustrate allowed locations. Mr. Hill explained
where the I-R zones are within the city.
Commissioner Dawson spoke against the recommendation. Commissioner Freeman had no
comment and Vice-Chair Latasa spoke in favor of the recommendation.
On a motion by Commissioner Freeman seconded by Commissioner Bluth and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved a resolution recommending that the City
Council approve of amendments to Chapter 38 of the Monterey city code to establish
regulations and development standards for firearms and ammunition retail sales uses and
amending the home occupation permit procedures:
AYES: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa, Bluth, Freeman
NOES: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield, Dawson
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Silva
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
4. Recommending Denial of Amendments to Chapter 38 of the Monterey City Code to
Increase the Number of Storefront Retail Cannabis Businesses Allowed in the CB2 -
Cannabis Business Overlay District (CEQA: Exempt per Public Resources Code Section
21083.3 and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183)
ACTION: Continued to a Date Uncertain Amendments to Chapter 38 of the Monterey City
Code to Increase the Number of Storefront Retail Cannabis Businesses Allowed in the
CB2 - Cannabis Business Overlay District
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Planning Manager Hill announced the applicant requested the item be tabled to a future
Planning Commission Meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
2
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Commissioner Freeman inquired about CB-2 zone locations, and Commissioner Latasa about
the applicant. Mr. Hill clarified what area of the City would be impacted and that the applicant
is Embarc Monterey.
Public Comments
None.
Commissioner Comments
None.
On a motion by Commissioner Brassfield seconded by Commissioner Dawson and carried by
the following vote, the Planning Commission continued to a date uncertain amendments to
Chapter 38 of the Monterey City Code to increase the number of storefront retail cannabis
businesses Allowed in the CB2 - cannabis business overlay district:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa, Bluth, Brassfield, Dawson, Freeman
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Silva
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Bluth recommended drafting a specific plan for Garden Road.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Hill confirmed Commissioner attendance for upcoming meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Levi Hill Vice-Chair
Planning Manager Planning Commission
Planning Commission Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
3
Agenda
Planning Commission Meeting
Agenda Commissioners
Peter Silva, Chair
Terry Latasa, Vice Chair
Robert Bluth
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Mike Brassfield
Mike Dawson
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Sandra Freeman
Council Chamber, 580 Pacific St.
Monterey, California
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING:
Written comment: Members of the public may submit comment(s) to
planning@monterey.gov until ½ hour before the start of the meeting. These messages
are not read aloud during the meeting but are made available to the meeting body and
public at https://monterey.gov/submitted-comments. All comments received become part
of the record.
In-Person: Please see the meeting location listed above.
Remote via ZoomGov Webinar:
o Join on a computer or smartphone: https://monterey-
org.zoomgov.com/j/1619908039 An up-to-date version of the Zoom
software must be used.
o Or join by telephone: Dial 833-568-8864 (Toll Free), 669-254-5252 (Campbell,
CA) or 646-828-7666 (NY). If one number doesn’t work, please try another.
Enter Webinar ID: 161 990 8039 #
If prompted to enter a participant ID, press #
To “raise your hand,” dial *9. Once called upon, dial *6 to unmute
o Need help using or updating Zoom? Read our Zoom Meeting Instructions (PDF)
This meeting will also stream live for viewing only on youtube.com/cityofmonterey (10
second delay) and on Comcast Channel 25 (up to 90-second delay).
PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURES AND TIME LIMITS:
The total amount of time allocated for public comment on a particular issue and for each
individual speaker is generally as follows:
1. Up to three minutes per speaker.
2. For regular Planning Commission meetings, there are two 15-minute public comment
periods, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Speakers may only comment during
one session.
3. The total time allocated for public comment:
a. Items pulled from the consent agenda – 15 minutes each item
b. Public Appearance items – 30 minutes each item
c. Public Hearing items – 30 minutes each item
At the time an item is considered, the Chair will ask those attending the meeting in person to line
up at the podium or raise their hands, and for remote participants to use *9 on the telephone or
the “raise hand” function in Zoom, if they wish to address the Planning Commission. The
maximum amount of time for each person to speak and the total amount of time allotted for each
item will be determined based on the number of people indicating an interest in speaking and the
amount of business to be conducted on the agenda. In exceptional circumstances and when
necessary to ensure a full opportunity for public input, the Chair may, with the Planning
Commission’s consent, adjust the amount of time allowed for public input and/or the time
allotted for each speaker.
FIELD TRIP
The Planning Commission will not conduct a field trip to review the October 14, 2025 PC
meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: October 10, 2025
***Afternoon Session Agenda Only***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
1. Meeting Procedures
CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under Consent Agenda are routine and will be adopted by one motion
unless a member of the Planning Commission or the public requests discussion or a separate
vote.
Approval of Minutes
2. September 23, 2025
***End of Consent Agenda***
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public may speak to any item that is not on the agenda and that is in the City of
Monterey’s subject matter jurisdiction.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearings are held to receive a staff presentation and public comment on certain items
prior to Planning Commission action. NOTICE CONCERNING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS: If you
challenge the Planning Commission’s zoning, planning, or land use decision in court, you may
be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing on the
matter, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at the time of or prior to the public
hearing. (Government Code section 65009.)
3. Recommending Approval of Amendments to Chapter 38 of the Monterey City
Code to Establish Regulations and Development Standards for Firearms and
Ammunition Retail Sales Uses and Amending the Home Occupation Permit
Procedures (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and
Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
4. Recommending Denial of Amendments to Chapter 38 of the Monterey City
Code to Increase the Number of Storefront Retail Cannabis Businesses
Allowed in the CB2 - Cannabis Business Overlay District (CEQA: Exempt per
Public Resources Code Section 21083.3 and State CEQA Guidelines Section
15183)
Planning Commission
10/14/2025 4:00:00 PM
2
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioners may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a
brief report on their activities. In addition, a Commissioner or the Planning Commission may
provide a referral to staff or other resources for factual information. (Government Code
section 54954.2(a)(3).)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Staff may make announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the
scheduling of meetings and study sessions.
5. Planning Office Update
ADJOURNMENT
Writings distributed for discussion or consideration on these matters within 72 hours prior to the
meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.5, are available at: monterey.org/submitted-
comments and in the Planning Office at 570 Pacific St., Monterey, CA 93940 during regular business
hours.
Information distributed to the Planning Commission at the Planning Commission meeting becomes
part of the public record.
Planning Commission decisions may be appealed within ten (10) days from the date of the decision
on forms available in the Planning Division during business hours. When the tenth day falls on a
weekend or a holiday, the appeal deadline date is the next working day following the holiday or
weekend. An appeal fee will apply.
CITY OF MONTEREY'S 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES:
Voicemail: (831) 646-3799 Fax: (831) 646-3793
Email: suggest@monterey.gov WebPage: http://www.monterey.gov
INTERPRETATION: The Planning Commission invites and encourages public participation at its
meetings. Requests for language interpretation may be made by contacting the City Clerk at
cityclerk@monterey.gov or 831-646-3935. The City Clerk will make every effort to accommodate
requests for interpreter assistance. Requests should be made as soon as possible in advance of any
meeting of the Planning Commission. The City is committed to addressing language interpretation
requests swiftly in order to maximize public participation.
ACCESSIBILITY: The City of Monterey is committed to including people with disabilities in
all of its services, programs and activities. In compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, including to
coordinate the use of a hearing device, please contact cityclerk@monterey.gov or (831)
646-3935. Notification 30+ hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]. Later
requests will be accommodated to the extent feasible. For communication-related assistance, dial
711 to use the California Relay Service (CRS) to speak to City offices. CRS offers free text-to-
speech, speech-to-speech, and Spanish-language services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
CITY OF MONTEREY 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES: (831) 646-3799 or
suggest@monterey.gov
Upcoming city meetings are listed at monterey.gov/agendas For more information, call (831) 646-
3885
Planning Commission
10/14/2025 4:00:00 PM
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