Planning commission reviews conceptual plans for Shell station remodel, staff flags Caltrans permit and traffic study

The Buellton City Planning Commission held a conceptual review of plans to remodel and expand the Shell gas station at 90 East Highway 246. Staff presented the concept, and representatives of the operator and design team described a proposed demolition of the existing convenience store, retention and façade upgrades to the car wash, an expanded canopy, new fueling dispensers and a larger convenience store.

City planning staff said the site consists of two principal parcels and a recently acquired flag parcel, totaling about 2 acres. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing approximately 1,200‑square‑foot convenience store and replace it with a new 3,700‑square‑foot store, expand the fuel canopy and increase fuel dispensers from the current six to up to 14. Staff said the plan shows roughly 41 parking spaces around the store and an additional 28 spaces under the canopy.

Staff flagged several permitting and design issues commissioners and the project team discussed: the site is…