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Commission approves 52‑space EV fleet‑charging site on Pennsylvania Avenue with conditions
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use authorization on Feb. 13 for an electric‑vehicle fleet charging facility at 1111 Pennsylvania Ave., authorizing up to 52 charging spaces and directing the sponsor to update queuing plans once an operator is secured.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved (6–0) a conditional‑use authorization on Feb. 13 to convert two existing surface lots at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue into a fleet electric‑vehicle charging facility with up to 52 charging stalls and six on‑site queuing spaces.
Planning staff explained the project replaces an existing self‑storage use and will repave the lots, add landscaping, new fencing and screening, and eliminate one of two existing curb cuts on Pennsylvania Avenue to improve the sidewalk and circulation. “The department has determined that the project complies with the zoning, is on balance with the objectives and policies of the general plan,” planner Kalyani Ernihotri said.
The applicant modified the design after community outreach to add a secondary entry on 20 Fifth Street, increase landscaping and screening, and include an on‑site queuing management plan; staff added a condition requiring an updated queuing plan once an operator is selected. Sponsor counsel said the location is appropriate for fleet charging because of direct access to Interstate 280 and nearby arterial connections, and emphasized the site will improve the current condition of scattered storage containers and poor screening.
“This project ... will create new fleet charging use with up to 52 charging spaces on 2 existing surface lots,” project attorney Melinda Sarjapour said, adding the project will reactivate and landscape the site and install secure fencing and automated gates to prevent on‑street queuing.
Labor representatives said they negotiated terms with the sponsor and support the project as modified. “We are in support of the project now with some adjustments,” said Mark Leeson of Teamsters Local 665, noting the sponsor had addressed concerns raised in outreach meetings.
Commissioners discussed traffic and neighborhood impacts; staff said the project did not trigger a full transportation impact study and that a traffic queuing management plan and design changes — including removing one curb cut and adding an on‑site recessed entry with automated gate — would prevent queuing onto the public roadway. The commission approved the project with conditions recorded in the staff motion, including the added requirement that the sponsor submit an updated queuing management plan once an operator is finalized.
The approval allows the land‑use entitlement to proceed; construction and electrical work, PG&E interconnection and building permits remain subject to subsequent reviews and permitting.
