A new auto dealership is set to open in Calistoga, following a recent Planning Commission meeting where key details about the project were discussed. The proposed dealership, named Sager Auto Calistoga, will occupy a 0.5-acre site in the Community Commercial District. Notably, the dealership will not feature large trucks for vehicle deliveries and plans to implement temporary signage before establishing permanent signs.

The project aligns with the city’s general plan and zoning requirements, as auto sales and repair are conditionally permitted in this district. Importantly, the dealership will not be classified as a formula business, despite being owned by Sager Enterprises, which also operates a Ford dealership in Saint Helena. Sager Auto Calistoga will maintain a unique identity, avoiding any Ford branding.

A significant point of discussion during the meeting was parking. The dealership is allocated 29 parking spaces, but questions arose regarding their use—whether for displaying vehicles or for staff and customer parking. The city’s regulations do not specify how these spaces should be designated, leading to concerns about potential overflow parking on nearby Lincoln Avenue.

Commission members expressed the need for clarity on parking arrangements to ensure that staff do not occupy spaces meant for customers. The previous use permit for the site had expired, necessitating a new permit for the dealership, but the historical use of the property as an auto sales and repair site means no additional parking requirements are triggered.

As the project moves forward, the Planning Commission will need to address these parking concerns to ensure a smooth operation for Sager Auto Calistoga while maintaining accessibility for customers. The anticipated opening of the dealership marks a significant development for the local economy and community.