The City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission discussed two Conditional Use Permits (CUP) for specialized businesses in City limits on Tuesday evening, a firearms store and a tobacco paraphernalia business.

For Master Case 24-187, the Commission considered the application for a new firearms store in the Valencia Industrial Center.

Located at 26027 Huntington Lane, Liberty & Justice Firearms sought permission to operate an appointment-only business, selling firearms, ammunition and related equipment. The venture received at least 52 public letters of support from community members and friends of the applicant James Frankian.

The commissioners discussed whether the firearms store could affect the insurance rates or coverage for other tenants in the building, citing concerns about the storage of any explosive materials in terms of ammunition, as well as a need for increased security to deter thieves.

The commission ultimately decided to approve Liberty & Justice Firearm’s application.

The Planning Commission also discussed Master Case 23-103, an application for the existing Top Notch Smoke Shop at 24050 Newhall Avenue to remodel for an expanded area for shelf space to allow for a 600-square-foot tobacco paraphernalia business.

According to City documents, a CUP is required for businesses that exceed a two-foot by four-foot (two feet in depth) maximum shelf space dedicated to tobacco paraphernalia in the form of branded clothing, snacks and accessories such as rolling papers.

Many commissioners were leery of the idea that the smoke shop could sell products that can be used for marijuana consumption, although the store itself does not sell marijuana products, nor does it have plans to.

The commissioners eventually approved the application, but required that the smoke shop reduce its operating hours to 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and decrease the allowed expanded shelf space to only 50% instead of the originally proposed 78%.

To watch the meeting, click here.

The final Planning Commission Meeting of 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 17.

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