During the recent Planning Commission meeting in Westminster, significant discussions centered around the conditional use permits (CUPs) for a local business, Lavender, which has faced multiple violations. The commission is considering the potential revocation of these permits due to ongoing compliance issues.
Commissioner Wobart raised concerns about the frequency of violations and questioned how many infractions would warrant action against Lavender. City staff clarified that they currently lack the authority to revoke permits independently; such actions must be initiated by the Planning Commission or the City Council. The city attorney confirmed that the Planning Commission typically holds the power to revoke a CUP, which can then be appealed to the City Council.
The discussion highlighted that Lavender has been operating under an original CUP while failing to meet the requirements of a newer permit, which includes the installation of a kitchen. The business has been given a month to pull necessary permits, with the understanding that if they do not comply, the issue will be revisited by the commission.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of clarity regarding the ownership and operation of Lavender and its associated businesses. Some commissioners expressed frustration that the expansion of Lavender was not clearly delineated from other operations, which could lead to confusion about compliance and accountability.
In response to these issues, the commission agreed to allow Lavender a final opportunity to rectify its permit status before further action is taken. They plan to revisit the matter in a month, contingent on the business's compliance with the permit requirements.
This meeting underscores the commission's commitment to ensuring local businesses adhere to regulations while also addressing community concerns about safety and compliance. The outcomes of this discussion will be crucial in shaping the future operations of Lavender and maintaining the integrity of business practices in Westminster.