Planning commission approves Rivian service center at 60 Seventh Street with operating and fire‑safety conditions

The Emeryville Planning Commission on May 22 voted to approve a conditional use permit for a Rivian service center at 60 Seventh Street in the city’s heavy industrial zone, with conditions intended to address noise, hazardous materials and firefighter safety.

The permit passed on a motion by Commissioner Martinez, seconded by Commissioner Small, with a roll‑call vote of yes from Commissioners Chafe, Gold, Martinez, Rivera, Small and Chair Wax; Vice Chair Henmey was absent.

What was proposed: Rivian plans to occupy three connected warehouses at the site and operate a service facility for Rivian electric vehicles and related sales support. Staff and the applicant said there will be no collision, paint or body work on site; services listed include software updates, tire changes, wheel alignment and battery replacements limited to units that are dead or internally faulty. Rivian estimated battery replacements would represent about 0.4% of workload (roughly 40–45 swaps per year) and said batteries would be stored on site for no more than 48–72 hours before…