The Kern County Planning Commission on an evening vote approved a five-year conditional use permit allowing an agricultural trucking facility on a 2.01-acre parcel on the east side of South Union Avenue south of East Hosking's Avenue in unincorporated Bakersfield.

Planning staff told the commission the parcel is designated map code LMR (low-medium density residential) and is zoned A (exclusive agriculture) with R-1 low-density residential in suspense. Staff recommended approval with conditions including a 20-truck on-site limit, restrictions on refrigerated trailers running overnight and required paving and environmental-permit compliance. Staff recommended the permit expire on 11/06/2030.

Staff presentation and clarifications: Planning staffer Barker said the parcel has operated as an agricultural trucking facility in the past and that the proposed use would include short-term parking for trucks, an inspection area and a storage building. Barker said staff recommended a maximum of 20 trucks on site because the site plan provided 20 parking spaces, and recommended excluding refrigerated trailers from operating overnight. Murphy, a planning department staff member, clarified the staff report language on livability and on the condition related to frontage improvements, explaining that ‘‘type A’’ frontage typically means half-width road construction plus curb, gutter and sidewalk but that existing road improvements could reduce what is required.

Applicant’s comments: The applicant’s representative, who identified himself as Ralph, said the project team had placed refrigerated-trailer parking at the northwest corner of the parcel to keep those units furthest from residences and cited a revised noise study intended to show that two refrigerated trailers would not exceed ambient noise levels. Ralph said overnight use of refrigerated trailers would be rare and requested limited exceptions for emergencies. He also requested that a 24-hour security guard be allowed on site while operational hours for drivers be limited to daytime to reduce disturbance.

Public opposition and concerns: Neighbor Aman Sahami, who said his property borders the southwest corner of Hosking and Union and backs onto Golden Valley High School, spoke in opposition. He raised concerns about potential soil contamination from truck servicing and oil changes and said proximity to the high school and nearby commercial negotiations could be affected.

Commission discussion and vote: Commissioners asked questions about noise attenuation, hours of operation and frontage improvements. Murphy clarified the proposed operational-hour condition (5 a.m.–10 p.m.) is intended to limit routine driver use during nighttime hours but does not prohibit a security guard from remaining on site overnight: ‘‘Regardless of what the language says, the security guard would be allowed to be there, 24 hours a day.’’ The commission approved the permit by roll-call tally of 3 ayes, 1 no and 1 absent. The commission’s action is final unless appealed to the Kern County Board of Supervisors within 14 days, with an appeal filing fee described by staff.

Why it matters: The decision permits a trucking yard near residential parcels and a high school with several conditions intended to limit noise and environmental impacts, while allowing the operator limited ability to respond to rare operational emergencies. The five-year term sets a near-term review point for county regulators and neighbors.

Votes and formal action: The commission approved the conditional use permit for a five-year period to expire 11/06/2030, with staff-recommended conditions that include a 20-truck maximum on-site, prohibition on refrigerated trailers running overnight (except as may be allowed in narrowly defined emergency circumstances if explicitly authorized), paving and surfacing requirements, and compliance with environmental health permits for vehicle servicing.

Next steps and appeals: Planning staff said the commission’s action may be appealed to the Kern County Board of Supervisors within 14 days of the hearing. If no appeal is filed, the action will become final and the department will process permits and required encroachment or frontage work in coordination with Public Works and Environmental Health.