Use Permit with Public Hearing: 1101 University Avenue (O'Reilly Auto Parts)

The City of Berkeley is considering a use permit to convert 5,516 square feet of a vacant building located at 1101 University Avenue from a previously approved cannabis retailer to a Vehicle Parts Store, specifically O’Reilly Auto Parts. The property sits on a 13,100 square foot lot within a Designated Node of the C-W zoning district, which permits commercial uses under certain conditions. A public hearing is required as part of the approval process to evaluate the proposed change in use and its compatibility with the surrounding area, including traffic, signage, and neighborhood impact. The application is part of the city’s ongoing land use review process and will be assessed by the planning department in accordance with local zoning regulations and general plan goals. Boshi Fu, Assistant Planner at the City of Berkeley, is the primary point of contact for this permit application, with Steven Appel of Kinetic Design serving as the project manager. The request was posted on June 18, 2026, and is tracked under the project ID 2026060827 on the CEQA Net portal. While no solicitation number or NAICS code is provided, the process follows standard municipal permitting procedures for a change of use without new construction, requiring compliance with use-specific standards such as parking, hours of operation, and exterior design. Public input will be solicited during the hearing to ensure community concerns are addressed before any decision is finalized.