San Carlos panel approves automotive repair and storage facility at 930–940 Commercial Street

The San Carlos Planning and Transportation Commission voted to approve entitlements for a new automotive repair and storage facility at 930–940 Commercial Street (APN 046-161-030), including design review, a protected-tree removal permit for eight trees, a dirt-haul and grading certificate, a transportation demand management plan and adoption of a mitigated negative declaration.

Senior planner Laura Richstone told commissioners the 1.69-acre, heavy-industrial site is roughly a half mile from the San Carlos Caltrain station and within the East Side Innovation District. The proposed facility is described in staff materials as roughly 43,000–48,370 square feet with a one-story building plus mezzanine, four lift bays and six additional service bays, storage for up to 30 vehicles, weekday operations and staff estimated in the range of 4–8 employees. The project requires approximately 19,000 cubic yards of fill to meet the FEMA base flood elevation and seeks to dedicate an 8-foot public access easement along the eastern property line to contribute to a planned discovery path through the district.

Why it matters: The…