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Planning Commission approves Highway 88 Travel Center conditional use permit in Lockford
Summary
San Joaquin County Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit PA2300250 allowing a two‑phase fueling station, 24‑hour convenience store, car wash, propane station and future fast‑food restaurant in Lockford, adopting a negative declaration and conditions of approval.
The San Joaquin County Planning Commission voted to approve Conditional Use Permit PA2300250 for the Highway 88 Travel Center in Lockford, adopting a negative declaration and the findings recommended by county staff.
Associate Planner Alisa Goulard told the commission the two‑phase project would build a combination fueling station and convenience store in Phase 1 and add a fast‑food restaurant with drive‑through in Phase 2, to be completed over five years. Phase 1 includes a canopy with six double‑sided fuel dispensers, a convenience store, a tunnel car wash and a propane filling station; the applicant requested 24‑hour operation for the convenience store to serve highway travelers.
The project site is on the east side of State Route 88 and is zoned community commercial. Goulard said anticipated traffic volumes were below the county threshold for a traffic study, Caltrans directed the applicant to close the north driveway and use the existing south driveway, and water and sewer service will continue to be provided by the Lockford Community Service District. The staff report recommended adoption of a negative declaration, that the findings for the use permit can be made in the affirmative, and approval with conditions.
Applicant representatives described site measures including parapet screening for rooftop equipment, downward‑directed shielded exterior lighting, a secure trash enclosure, on‑site maintenance to remove graffiti and litter, and a 24‑hour surveillance camera system with capability to provide footage to law enforcement. The team said the project design includes 16 electric vehicle charging stations and that the existing full‑service restaurant on the parcel, George's Country Cafe, will remain in operation with part of its building converted to the convenience store in Phase 1.
Commissioners moved and seconded the staff recommendation; the motion passed. The planning commission recorded affirmative votes on the motion to adopt the negative declaration, adopt the findings for the use permit, and approve Conditional Use Permit PA2300250 with the conditions contained in the staff report.
The applicant estimated the development would create about 20 to 30 jobs and provide tax revenue and productive use of a parcel that has been idle, according to the applicant's representative, Amrit Deol.
