🚨 NEXT WEEK JUST GOT A LOT BUSIER!
The week ahead is shaping up to be more eventful than expected. The Planning Commission will consider a controversial cannabis storefront extension and a proposal for a new museum, and the City Council has added a Special Meeting on Thursday.
Yes, Thursday!
🏢Costa Mesa Planning Commission Meeting – Monday, October 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM
📍 City Council Chambers, 77 Fair Drive
📄 View the Agenda here.
Attend in person or by Zoom, watch on TV, or on YouTube. Instructions are in the Agenda.
🎤 PUBLIC COMMENTS: This is the time for YOU to comment for THREE FREE minutes on ANYTHING that is not on the agenda. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY CLERK BY NOON.
🗂️ CONSENT CALENDAR: Minutes of the September 14 and September 28 meetings.
📢 PUBLIC HEARINGS: Two items here:
1. One-Year Time Extension for a Conditional Use Permit for a New Cannabis Storefront at 2490 Newport Boulevard. Newport Wellness, LLC is requesting a one-year extension of its Conditional Use Permit for a cannabis storefront at the corner of Newport Boulevard and Monte Vista Avenue, extending the permit's validity through November 3, 2027.
Key issues include:
The project would occupy an existing 2,076-square-foot commercial building while retaining two residential units on the property.
Approved operating hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with requirements for 24-hour security, a parking attendant during business hours, and additional landscaping.
The applicant cites financing challenges, permitting delays, and ongoing plan review as reasons for the extension request.
The project was originally approved by the Planning Commission in March 2024 and upheld by the City Council in May 2024.
Since that approval, the City adopted a requirement that cannabis storefronts be located at least 250 feet from residential zoning. This site is only about 60 feet away. Staff concludes the project retains its entitlement because it was approved under the previous regulations.
💡 One question to watch: neighborhood residents strongly opposed the project when it was approved in 2024 due to its proximity to nearby homes. In fact, the Planning Commission approval was appealed to the City Council by then-Councilmember Don Harper. Will the residents return to voice their concerns again?
2. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Museum with Outdoor Courtyard at 1901 Newport Boulevard, Suite 100. Marwa Saeed, representing the property owner of 1901 Newport LLC, is requesting approval of a CUP for the Kahlil Gibran Museum and Library, a nonprofit cultural institution planned for the corner of Newport Boulevard and 19th Street. Museums are not specifically listed in the City’s Land Use Matrix. Therefore, the museum and its event activities require a CUP. Outdoor programming also requires approval.
The proposal includes:
A 7,162-square-foot museum and library.
A 1,348-square-foot outdoor courtyard for museum programming and events.
Permanent and rotating exhibits, educational programs, lectures, film screenings, storytelling events, cultural gatherings, a children's area, and café/retail space.
A video showing renderings of the proposed project can be found here.
The Agenda Report highlights several findings:
The museum use is compatible with surrounding commercial and residential development.
Normal operating hours would be 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Up to two weekday evening special events per month would be allowed, with attendance capped at 200 people and generally occur from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Amplified sound is limited to presentations and background music; DJs and live bands are prohibited, and noise must comply with the City’s ordinance.
Outdoor events would generally be limited to 100 attendees.
The site's traffic study projects only a minimal increase in vehicle trips, and the property already exceeds applicable parking standards.
An operations plan would address parking, security, noise, alcohol service, cleanup, and event management.
Staff concluded that the museum would provide a significant cultural and educational amenity without creating substantial impacts on neighboring properties or traffic operations.
🕰️ OLD BUSINESS: None.
🆕 NEW BUSINESS: None.
🎤 PUBLIC COMMENTS: This is the time to speak up! YOU get THREE FREE minutes to comment on ANYTHING that is not on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting and on each agendized item as it comes up. Written public comments are due by noon on Monday.
📅 SAVE THE DATE! The City Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
That's right... a Thursday City Council meeting.
More details will be posted as soon as the agenda becomes available.
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