A hearing examiner has ruled in favor of allowing Walla Walla’s first retail marijuana store.

The proposed pot shop at 927 W. Main St. expects to open this summer and go by the name Walla Walla Cannabis Co.

“I am shooting for end of August,” owner Amber Cole said in an email. “I am very excited and proud to build this business in a way that will improve Walla Walla in a meaningful and positive way.”

Cole said what remains is a build-out and remodel, followed by final inspection and licensure by the Washington State Liquor Control Board, to be renamed Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board effective in July.

On Wednesday, city officials sent notices of Hearing Examiner Leland B. Kerr’s May 29 decision.

In his decision, Kerr said Cole’s Tangletown Holdings LLC met all conditional requirements required by local authorities and that the business would “not endanger the public health or safety” or “create nuisance condition” to neighboring properties.

Kerr’s decision was made eight days after the May 21 hearing, which was held in a packed city hall meeting at which 19 people testified.

Opponents of the pot store slightly outnumbered supporters in comments during the hearing, with most stating the business should not be allowed in a neighborhood that is mixture of residences and retail shops.

In addition to the comments, a total of two petitions and 25 letters — including one by actress Susan Sarandon — were reviewed by Kerr in making his decision.

The results of the hearing can be appealed with the Walla Walla County Superior Court. Individuals have 21 days or until June 19 to make their appeal.