CERRITOS : Ban on Mini-Marts at Gas Stations Upheld

Don’t expect to grab lunch near the pump any time soon in Cerritos.

The City Council has upheld regulations that prohibit gasoline stations from building on-site convenience stores. Stations are allowed 150 square feet of retail space for sodas, candy and other snack foods. But larger markets, such as AM/PM, which often sell alcoholic beverages, magazines and reheated food, are not permitted on gas station lots.

The council voted 4 to 1 to preserve the ban.

Councilman Bruce W. Barrows said most of the city’s 18 gasoline stations are too small to accommodate markets without causing congestion. “The issue of space is important because then you have parking problems,” he said.

Assistant City Manager Dennis T. Davis said most stations occupy about half an acre. The council “felt closer to an acre would really be necessary to accommodate parking and circulation,” he said.

Councilman John F. Crawley, who cast the dissenting vote, said gas stations have ample space and many could build markets in place of service garages. “I would rather see a mini-mart in Cerritos than some of the dirty old (service) stations we’ve got,” he said.

Crawley had asked city staff to study the restrictions. “I could never understand why businesses like that were prohibited in Cerritos,” he said.

On March 8, the Planning Commission recommended that the council uphold the restrictions.