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Council approves conditional use permit for vehicle tow and storage yard on Guadalupe Street
Summary
The Guadalupe City Council voted unanimously to adopt a conditional use permit allowing an outdoor vehicle tow and storage yard at 301 Guadalupe Street (CUP 2024-054). Staff required screening, no backing out, and paved storage as conditions of approval.
The Guadalupe City Council on Jan. 28 adopted Resolution 2025-05 approving Conditional Use Permit 2024-054 to allow an outdoor vehicle tow and storage yard at 301 Guadalupe Street.
Planning staff told the council the property is a narrow, paved 4,750-square-foot parcel in the MC (Industrial-Commercial) zoning district and that the zoning code requires a conditional use permit for screened outdoor storage in that zone. Planner Bill Scott said staff added conditions requiring the existing perimeter fencing be fitted with slats to provide permanent screening and that on-site turnaround be used so trucks do not back out onto public streets. “We added a condition: no backing out,” Scott said.
The applicant, Jason Sahagan, president of Central City Towing of Santa Maria, applied for the permit to use the site for impounded vehicles and short-term outdoor storage. Scott said the site already is paved and that staff finds the use compatible with surrounding industrial uses; staff recommended a CEQA Class 1 exemption because there would be no physical construction.
During public comment the property owner and staff discussed a railroad car currently on the site. Scott said the applicant would be allowed to keep the railcar for storage or remove it later; staff did not set a deadline for removal and did not require a time limit on vehicle storage under the permit.
Council members asked about operational details, including whether vehicles would be permitted to remain on site for extended periods and whether trucks could turn around inside the narrow parcel. Scott said staff intentionally allowed some operational latitude while prohibiting backing onto Guadalupe Street.
Council member Villegas moved to adopt the resolution; Council member Hernandez seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous of members present: Velez, Villegas, Hernandez and Mayor Julian voted aye; Council member Costa Junior was absent. The motion passed.
The conditional use permit requires: slatted screening around the fence; paved storage; no backing onto public streets; and compliance with the city engineer’s conditions if the railroad car is removed and pavement work is needed.
The council vote allows the storage yard to open under those conditions; staff will monitor permit compliance through the city's normal permit and inspection process.
Ending: The permit clears the way for Central City Towing to operate the storage yard at 301 Guadalupe Street with the stated operational limits; any future operational changes would require follow-up with city planning staff.
