Oxnard planning commission approves M‑2 zoning text amendment to allow agricultural and construction vehicle sales

The Oxnard City Planning Commission on Aug. 7, 2025, approved a text amendment to the Oxnard City Code to add agricultural and construction vehicle sales with incidental repair and service as a permitted use in areas zoned M‑2 (heavy manufacturing), permit number 25-580-01. The commission voted 5-0 to adopt staff's recommended action.

The change alters the industrial land‑use matrix in Oxnard City Code Chapter 16, Article 3, Section 16-163. City staff said the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the exemptions cited in the staff report. Holly King Whittaker, representing applicant Todd Industry Park and Site Specific Incorporated, told the commission the applicant “has no issues with the staff report and the recommended approval.”

Why it matters: allowing vehicle sales and incidental repair as a permitted use in M‑2 could broaden what is allowed in areas the code designates as heavy manufacturing. Commissioners discussed whether the M‑2 designation still reflects its original intent and how the city will review land‑use policy in coming years.

Details of the proposal and review process Permit 25-580-01 would amend the industrial land‑use matrix for parcels zoned M‑2 to list agricultural and construction vehicle sales with incidental repair and service as permitted uses. The staff report cited CEQA exemptions; the transcript records the exemptions by section numbers given in the staff presentation. The applicant is listed as Todd Industry Park, and the designated agent identified herself as Holly King Whittaker of Site Specific Incorporated. City staff on the record was Juan Carlos Torres.

Commissioner discussion and staff response Commissioner Nash said the M‑2 zone has become broader than its original intent and noted examples of permitted uses now allowed in some M‑2 areas, saying, “you can pretty much do anything you want in an M‑2 zone.” City staff acknowledged that the zoning code has been amended over time and told the commission a general plan update scheduled within the next five years will include a reassessment of land uses and a subsequent zoning code update to ensure consistency with the general plan.

Public comment and deliberation No members of the public spoke on the item during the hearing. After deliberation, Commissioner Nash moved to adopt the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded (second not specified in the transcript) and passed on a roll‑call vote: Commissioner Nash, Commissioner Barcena, Commissioner Dr. Lopez, Commissioner Schulke and Vice Chair Dr. Stewart all voted aye.

Votes at a glance - Consent: Approval of minutes from the June 5, 2025 and July 17, 2025 meetings — motion moved by Commissioner Nash; second not specified; roll call unanimous, 5-0, outcome: approved. - Item F‑1: Industrial code matrix text amendment (Permit 25-580-01) — motion to adopt staff recommendation moved by Commissioner Nash; second not specified; roll call unanimous, 5-0, outcome: approved.

Other commission business During the general commission business segment, Commissioner Nash raised a separate concern about solar canopies installed in a Ventura school parking lot that neighbors said reduced sunlight to their fruit trees. Nash said the example, drawn from social media posts, suggests the commission and staff should be mindful of potential neighbor impacts and setbacks for solar canopies when those projects come before the city.

What’s next Staff indicated the general plan update and a future zoning code review — anticipated within the next five years — will provide an opportunity to reexamine permitted uses in M‑2 and other zoning categories. No hearings or additional public hearings were scheduled on this item at the meeting.