Atwater planning commission approves Castle Air Museum expansion with environmental conditions

The Atwater Planning Commission voted to approve Resolution No. 0272‑25 on Nov. 19, adopting an initial study and mitigated negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act and approving Site Plan No. 25‑10‑0200 and Conditional Use Permit No. 25‑10‑0400 for a multi‑phase expansion of the Castle Air Museum at 5050 Santa Fe Drive (APN 051‑030‑006). The motion, moved by Commissioner Sanchez Garcia and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, passed on roll call; two commissioners were recorded absent.

The approved plan calls for phased construction of covered display and support buildings to shelter about 80 aircraft across roughly 31.2 acres. Staff described Phase 1 as including a 28,000‑square‑foot fabric building, a relocated 9,600‑square‑foot hangar from Beale Air Force Base to house an SR‑71 aircraft, and a 60,000‑square‑foot pavilion. Phase 2 would add expanded…