Planning commission approves Calderon's Auto Repair CUP for spray booth at 1621 North River Road

The El Paso de Robles City Planning Commission on Oct. 28 approved a conditional use permit allowing Calderon's Auto Repair to operate an auto body and major vehicle repair shop with an indoor spray booth at 1621 North River Road.

Piper, a city planning staff member, told the commission the tenant will occupy existing space in Units 8 and 9 of the building and that the use is classified as major repair because it includes body and fender work. Staff said the spray booth will be installed inside the existing tenant bay and that no exterior building changes are proposed beyond a screened vent for the booth. "The recommendation for planning commission tonight is to approve the project, by adopting draft resolution PC 25-xxx for conditional use permit 25-04 based on the findings and subjects to the condition of approval," Piper said.

Why it matters: The permit allows a business change to a use that the zoning map classifies as industrial and carries additional requirements for noise, emissions and mechanical screening. Nearby residents and adjacent businesses could see increased activity tied to bodywork and paint operations; staff and the applicant said observed parking and noise history at the site has been low.

Key facts and conditions

- Location and use: Calderon's Auto Repair, 1621 North River Road, Units 8–9; proposed operation limited to auto body repair and painting (applicant stated they will not perform mechanical engine repairs).

- Hours: Applicant stated hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (staff initially referenced 8–5 and corrected to 9–5).

- Spray booth and permits: A building permit is required for the spray booth and the applicant must obtain approval from the applicable air pollution control district for emissions prior to operation.

- Noise and equipment: Staff identified the air compressor and spray booth as sources that must meet zoning code noise standards. Staff said the city has noise-monitoring equipment and, if complaints arise, can test the site; options to meet noise standards include sound suppression or relocating equipment indoors. During the meeting staff noted typical air-compressor levels reviewed were in the 70–80 dB range and that the nearest residences are approximately 400 feet from the proposed compressor location.

- Mechanical screening and site work: Roof-mounted mechanical equipment must be screened from the public right-of-way and grade-level equipment will be visually screened at the rear of the building. All repair work must be conducted inside the building; exterior painting or outside repair is not allowed under the proposed conditions.

- Parking: The complex was constructed with 60 on-site parking spaces. Staff calculated current occupancy at roughly one space per 560 square feet; an alternative code calculation would require about 64 spaces but staff concluded the tenant does not increase site intensity and existing parking shortages were not observed during site visits.

What speakers said

- Applicant: "My name is Javier Calderon, and I'm the owner," Javier Calderon said, and confirmed the business will do "auto body repair only." Maria Calderon added the business tracks on-site vehicle limits and uses the parking in front of the shop.

- Property owner: Paul Viborg, who owns the building, told commissioners that parking has not been a problem and that the Calderons have kept the site clean and compliant with CUP expectations.

- Staff: Piper described the required approvals (building permit, air district sign-off) and conditions (noise mitigation, screened roof equipment, indoor-only repair).

Commission action and related votes

Commissioner Roden moved to "approve the project by adopting draft resolution PC 25-xxx for conditional use permit 25-04 based on findings and subject to conditions of approval;" Commissioner Connolly seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve (recorded as 6–0). The commission also approved several Development Review Committee minutes (Aug. 25, Sept. 8 and Sept. 15) by unanimous roll call later in the meeting.

Next steps

The applicant must obtain a building permit for the spray booth and approval from the air pollution control district for emissions. Staff noted the city can perform noise testing if a complaint is filed and emphasized that any future change in equipment or operations that increases noise or site intensity would be subject to further review.

Votes at a glance

- Conditional Use Permit 25-04 (Calderon's Auto Repair): Motion to approve by Commissioner Roden; second Commissioner Connolly. Vote: 6–0, approved.

- DRC minutes (Aug. 25; Sept. 8; Sept. 15): Motion to approve minutes by Commissioner Connolly; second Commissioner Roden. Vote: 6–0, approved.

The commission closed the hearing and heard brief committee scheduling items; the final planning commission meeting of the year was noted as Dec. 9.