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Planning Commission approves Enterprise Rent-A-Car conditional use permit at 5400 Garden Grove Boulevard, limits digital sign hours

5110770 · March 6, 2025

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Summary

On March 5 the Westminster Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a conditional use permit allowing Enterprise Rent-A-Car to operate used-vehicle sales and vehicle rentals at 5400 Garden Grove Boulevard, with conditions tying rentals to the sales operation and restricting hours for the site's electronic display sign.

The Planning Commission of the City of Westminster on March 5 approved Resolution 25-003 to allow Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company of Los Angeles to operate used-vehicle sales and a vehicle rental facility at 5400 Garden Grove Boulevard. The commission's vote was 5-0.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval. Stephanie Tomayno, contract planner, told the commission the site—about 11 acres divided into three parcels—has operated as vehicle dealerships since 1968 and that Enterprise plans to use the existing buildings with minor tenant improvements. Tomayno said the project was categorically exempt from further CEQA review under Section 15301 (existing facilities) and that staff recommended a condition tying vehicle rentals to the used-vehicle sales: if the sales portion ceases, the CUP for rentals would no longer be valid.

The project will operate three components: used car sales, a commercial vehicle rental program (cargo vans and light trucks), and a small vanpool rental component for commuter vanpool services. Paul McGlynn, an Enterprise representative, said the site would function as a regional mobility hub and noted Enterprise operates multiple mobility brands: "We also own and operate Alamo and National Car Rental, Enterprise Car Sales, Enterprise Truck Rental, commute by enterprise, enterprise car share," McGlynn said, introducing the site's mixed use of sales, truck rental and vanpool operations.

Commissioners focused discussion on two recurring community concerns: lighting from an existing electronic freeway-facing sign and potential noise and traffic impacts for nearby mobile-home residents. Tomayno said the applicant proposes to reface the sign but noted the planning commission may add conditions on signage; she also said the project's review by the city's development review team did not identify a history of noise complaints from prior dealerships and that staff did not require a new noise or traffic study because the proposed use was not expected to increase trip generation over the site's previous uses.

Commissioners and the applicant negotiated a sign condition during the hearing. The commission added a requirement that "the electronic display sign shall not be illuminated between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m." The record contains language drafted during the meeting that allows the restriction to be lifted only if the sign is retrofitted with modern lighting technology that directs illumination toward freeway motorists and does not adversely affect nearby residential areas; any documentation demonstrating compliance must be submitted to and approved by the planning commission before sign-hours are extended. The commission also discussed requiring the applicant to investigate new, lower-glare technology and to return with findings; the applicant said it would research options and work with city staff.

The commission approved the conditional use permit on a motion by Commissioner Hamadi, seconded by Vice Chair Anderson. Roll-call votes were recorded as follows: Commissioner Bowie — yes; Commissioner Hamadi — yes; Commissioner Rose — yes; Vice Chair Anderson — yes; Chair Wolbert — yes. The commission's action becomes effective 15 days after the decision date; the action may be appealed to the City Council within that period.

The approval includes the staff condition that vehicle rentals be accessory to and tied to the used-vehicle sales use so that rentals cannot operate independently if the sales business ceases. Staff also noted the site provides roughly three times the number of parking stalls required by code and that no building footprint changes are proposed.

The applicant told commissioners it expects to lease the site long-term, would proceed with interior and exterior refresh work including repainting and new interior finishes, and that the mobility hub may expand rental offerings if local demand warrants it. No members of the public spoke in opposition during oral public comment; one applicant representative spoke in favor.

The commission adopted Resolution 25-003 approving the conditional use permit subject to the conditions discussed and listed in the resolution. The commission's action may be appealed to the City Council within 15 days of the notice of decision.