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Planning commission approves Quick Quack car wash at East Hatch Road despite saturation concerns
Summary
The Ceres Planning Commission approved a 3,588-square-foot Quick Quack car wash and a lot line adjustment for property at East Hatch Road after staff said the project meets zoning and a CEQA infill exemption; one commissioner opposed, saying market saturation and public notice warrant further review by the City Council.
The Ceres Planning Commission voted 3–1, with one member absent, to approve a lot line adjustment and site plan for a proposed Quick Quack car wash at 1355 and 1363 East Hatch Road after staff recommended the project meets applicable zoning and qualifies for a Class 32 CEQA infill exemption.
Julian, planning staff, told the commission the project would redevelop a previously paved portion of a former Kmart center and combine two parcels into one legal parcel to allow a unified development. The application calls for a 3,588-square-foot automated car wash with dual queuing lanes merging into one tunnel, 19 vacuum stalls, an ADA parking stall and path of travel, a trash enclosure and landscaping. Staff recommended approval of the lot line adjustment (26-02a) and site plan approval (26-02b) and advised the commission the use is permitted in the community commercial zoning district.
The commission’s discussion focused on market saturation and community notice. Chairperson Condit said she could not support the project, arguing the city has a recurring problem with “repeat businesses” and that the city council, not the planning commission, should consider policies to limit similar future projects. "I can't support this tonight," Chairperson Condit said.
Vance Shannon, the applicant’s representative, replied that the site is consistent with the general plan and zoning and described membership and environmental benefits. Shannon said Quick Quack is a membership-driven chain, noted the firm’s national footprint and estimated the wash uses about "20 to 25 gallons of water per vehicle" and reclaims and reuses water. He also said a single store typically hires about 15–18 part-time employees.
Staff clarified that this project is a principal permitted use under the zoning and that, because it met the objective development standards and the general plan designation, approval of the site plan and the lot line adjustment is within the commission’s authority and does not require City Council approval. Kelsey, a planning consultant, reminded commissioners that a denial would require findings tied to the municipal code or the general plan rather than general opposition to the project type.
After debate and two procedural motions — a motion to table the item that produced a split roll call and a follow-up motion to approve the project — the commission approved the site plan and lot line adjustment by a 3–1 vote with one commissioner absent.
The approvals recorded were: lot line adjustment (26-02a) and site plan approval (26-02b). Staff will proceed with the project approvals consistent with the commission’s votes.
