Baldwin Park Planning Commission approves automotive repair facility in industrial zone

The Baldwin Park Planning Commission convened on June 26, 2025, to discuss a proposed automotive repair facility located near the Santa Fe Dam. The meeting highlighted community concerns regarding noise and traffic, as well as the operational details of the new business.

During the session, commissioners sought clarification on several aspects of the project, including parking arrangements and compliance with local codes. The proposed facility will have eight dedicated parking spaces, which will not be shared with adjacent businesses, ensuring that operations remain orderly and compliant with zoning regulations. Notably, there have been no reported code enforcement complaints from nearby residents, indicating a level of community support for the project.

The applicant, who has owned the property for several years, expressed a commitment to legalizing existing unpermitted structures on the site. This includes potential demolition of certain shade structures to meet city codes. The applicant also assured the commission that most operations would occur indoors to minimize noise, addressing concerns about the busy area’s impact on neighboring properties.

The commission discussed the operational hours for employees, which are set from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. This schedule aims to limit disturbances during early morning and late evening hours, although the lack of specific restrictions on working hours for other businesses in the area was noted.

After a thorough discussion, the commission unanimously approved the project, deeming it exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The approval allows the establishment of the automotive repair facility within an enclosed building, which was previously used for auto parts and services.

In addition to the main agenda, the meeting also welcomed a new assistant planner, Yadira Carmona, to the planning staff, enhancing the team’s capacity to manage future projects. The session concluded with a reminder that the terms for current planning commissioners would officially end at the month’s close, signaling potential changes in the commission's composition moving forward.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s efforts to balance development with community concerns, paving the way for new business opportunities while maintaining a focus on local quality of life.