Commission approves Milford/Boresall permit amendment for office addition, reduced parking and screened outdoor storage

The Santa Maria Planning Commission approved a plan development permit amendment (A2025007) and conditional use permit (U2025008) allowing a conversion of some production space to office and an addition of a second-floor office area at the Milford/Boresall facility at 2712 Airpark Drive. The approvals also permit screened outdoor storage at the rear of the property and a reduction in required parking to 61 spaces.

Planning staff (Frank) told commissioners the facility is an existing production site of about 50,000 square feet on just over two acres with 44 full-time employees. Because office floor area requires more parking under zoning, the proposed internal reconfiguration generates a higher parking requirement; staff supported a PD amendment to reduce the required parking, noting the number of provided spaces will still exceed full-time employees. Staff added a condition that any outdoor storage be kept below the fence line and not visible from the street.

Why it mattered: Commissioners sought assurance that outdoor storage would be screened and that parking would remain adequate for operations. Staff confirmed the outdoor storage area sits behind the building, well away from the street, and that the application is categorically exempt under CEQA.

Commissioner Lopez moved to approve both the PD amendment and the CUP; a second was given and the commission took a roll-call vote in favor. Commissioner Mohajer recused herself from this item because she said her employer might have a financial interest. The chair announced the motion carried.

Staff and the applicant will complete required plan revisions and any follow-up reviews under the conditions attached to the approvals.