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Planning commission approves auto glass and window‑tinting shop at 944 Broadway
Summary
The El Cajon Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit and CEQA exemption for a new auto glass and window‑tinting business at 944 Broadway, with staff saying the use is consistent with the site’s commercial designation and will not change the building footprint.
The El Cajon Planning Commission on Sept. 24 approved a conditional use permit and a CEQA exemption allowing 1 Auto Glass and Window Tinting to operate at 944 Broadway.
Staff said the business will conduct all proposed auto glass and window‑tinting activities inside the existing building and that the project would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as an existing facility with no changes to the structure. "Staff's recommendation is that the planning commission adopt the next resolutions in order approving the CEQA exemption, as well as the conditional use permit," a staff member said during the hearing.
The site is a little more than one‑third of an acre with an existing two‑story building just under 6,000 square feet; the applicant does not propose structural changes but will complete exterior improvements including landscaping, fencing and permitted signage. Staff told commissioners the use is consistent with the site’s General Commercial general‑plan designation and likely would not generate smoke, odors or dust harmful to surrounding properties.
Commissioners asked about water use and cleanup for tinting. Staff said the city’s stormwater division reviewed the proposal and determined the minimal water used for window work would be handled with towels and comply with stormwater regulations; the applicant was present to answer additional questions but did not add to the record.
One member of the public, Donna Pewell (spelled aloud during testimony), identified herself as representing the property owner and described security work at the rear of the site. Pewell told the commission the owner replaced a demolished 6‑foot wooden fence with an 8‑foot chain‑link fence and barbed wire across the top (which she said could be removed if required). "Ever since the fence has been replaced, there has not been any problem with homeless people," she said, adding the property had suffered vandalism and drug activity before the new fencing.
The commission adopted the staff resolutions approving the CEQA exemption and CUP 2025‑0016, subject to the conditions on the staff report. The motion to adopt the resolutions was made by Commissioner Circles and seconded by Paula Rood. The motion carried by unanimous vote of the members present.
The permit allows the tenant to operate the proposed auto‑glass and window‑tinting business at 944 Broadway consistent with the conditions set by staff; the planning commission record will reflect the adopted resolutions and conditions for compliance and any required permits for exterior signage or fencing.
