The Taft Planning Commission on Dec. 3 approved a conditional use permit allowing accessory tobacco sales at a proposed convenience store at 431 Kern Street (CUP 2025-15), subject to conditions intended to minimize visibility and impacts of tobacco sales.

Planning staff told commissioners a building permit for tenant improvements had been previously approved but that land-use entitlement for tobacco sales was required under the Taft Municipal Code. Staff summarized separation requirements that generally prohibit tobacco shops within 500 feet of another tobacco shop or certain sensitive uses; the proposed accessory tobacco sales did not meet the separation requirement because an existing tobacco retailer operates on the north side of Kern Street. Staff nonetheless recommended approval with conditions because a CUP is discretionary and the use can be operated in a manner compatible with the downtown zone.

Staff recommended conditioning the permit to prohibit exterior advertising of tobacco products, require approved landscaping along project frontages, and require periodic maintenance and facade upkeep. Staff also confirmed the business holds the state license required to sell tobacco products and must conspicuously display that license.

Applicant Zach Brown said the store hopes to open within days pending product delivery, described warm-food offerings (pizza, nachos and similar items), and said hours would extend to about 11 p.m. He said he intends to coordinate with nearby downtown businesses, including the adjacent miniature golf operation.

A motion to adopt the resolution approving CUP 2025-15 with conditions was moved and seconded; the roll call vote was 5-0 in favor. Conditions recorded in the staff report will be incorporated into the permit; the applicant must comply with state tobacco licensing and local permit conditions prior to tobacco sales.