Planning Commission approves Rove Operating LLC EV charging station and market at Ventura Boulevard and Camarillo Center Drive

The Camarillo Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt a resolution approving CPD 258, a proposal by Rove Operating LLC to build an EV charging station and market on a vacant 2.79‑acre parcel at Ventura Boulevard and Camarillo Center Drive.

Associate Planner Serena Gonzales presented the project and the staff recommendation: “This is a request, made by Matt Stowe from Rove Operating LLC to construct a new EV charging station and market on approximately 61,552 square feet of a vacant 2.79 acre lot located on the corner of Ventura Boulevard and Camarillo Center Drive,” she told the commission. The plan calls for a retail building pad and roughly 40 EV charging stalls along the east property line; the applicant proposes to deliver the work in two phases — underground infrastructure and chargers first, the building later — and to maintain landscaping on the building pad until a tenant is identified.

Staff said Parker Environmental prepared a combined Class 32 categorical exemption covering this project and a neighboring car wash, finding no unusual circumstances or significant cumulative impacts. Air modeling using CalEEMod estimated nitrogen‑oxide emissions at about 22 pounds per day, below the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District threshold of 25 lb/day. A worst‑case noise model projected approximately 49 A‑weighted decibels during daytime hours and 38 dBA at night at the nearest residential property line, both below the city's standard limits.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about ownership, lot‑split possibilities and traffic. Staff said the parcel currently has a single owner but the businesses would operate separately and a future lot split is possible but not yet determined. Traffic staff (Rick Iago) said the submitted traffic study did not identify required mitigation, but because the location is constrained, final striping and signing at conditions of occupancy — including potential keep‑clear markings and a short left‑turn pocket where feasible — will be used to manage queuing risks.

The architectural review committee had recommended approval while suggesting the applicant consider slightly warmer earth tones to better match nearby development; staff added that a mural and final signage will return for Community Development review and approval.

The commission adopted the resolution approving CPD 258 subject to the recommended conditions of approval. The resolution requires a post‑occupancy noise study six months after opening and final striping and signage plans to be submitted for review.

Next steps: the applicant will proceed with building permits and must comply with the conditions of approval, including the post‑operational noise study and final sign and mural reviews.