Planning Commission studies Rivian service center proposal for 60 Seventh Street; commissioners press on fire protection, parking and transportation measures

The Emeryville Planning Commission on March 27, 2025 held a study session on a proposed Rivian service and limited sales center at 60 Seventh Street (addresses 1483, 1485 and 1499) and provided feedback on fire protection, hazardous‑materials handling, noise and parking and encouraged stronger transportation-demand-management measures; the commission took no permit action at the session.

City staff and Rivian representatives described the proposal as conversion of three connected warehouse parcels into a 61,775‑square‑foot service center with accessory office, storage and parking. Rivian said it would perform light vehicle service — tire changes, wheel alignments, hardware replacement, software updates and battery replacement — but not collision, body or paint work. Staff said exterior changes would require design review and building permits; fire and building plan reviewers have requested additional, code‑specific clarifications for electric‑vehicle battery handling that will be reviewed at the building‑permit stage.

Key operational details presented by staff and Rivian included customer hours and staffing: customer hours proposed 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday; Rivian described two operational shifts with up to 30 employees on the primary daytime shift (roughly 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) and up to 15 employees on a second shift (5 p.m.–2 a.m.), Monday–Saturday. Rivian estimated about 20–25 appointments per day, 0–2 tow‑ins per day, up to four deliveries daily, up to 60 on‑site parking spaces (30 employee, 25 service storage, 5 loaner/ fleet) and four…