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 commission’s approval clears the final discretionary review stage unless appealed to city council within 10 days. The project is part of a larger push to redevelop the east side of the city and staff said the applicant’s conditions — including mitigation measures in the environmental study, a TDM plan with a 20% trip-reduction target, and replacement landscaping — address the city’s primary concerns about flooding, circulation and pedestrian access.

Applicant and public comments: Owner representative Harvey Coup said the proposal is intended to serve a small corporate fleet and emphasized neighborhood improvements: "We are pleased to share our proposal of office and fleet repair… We expect no more than 10 cars driving to the site each month," he told the commission. The applicant also committed to sidewalks, street trees, layered landscaping, street lighting and undergrounding overhead utilities. Several labor-union representatives spoke in favor during public comment, urging approval for the local construction jobs and apprenticeship opportunities the project promises. Alejandro Martinez of Luna Local 261 said the development would "create significant construction opportunities that pay livable wages with benefits" and asked the commission to approve the project.

Design, trees and circulation: Staff said the building’s industrial aesthetic was refined through multiple iterations and found it compatible with the underlying zoning. Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on the building facade along the rail spur (calling the south elevation visually imposing), tree replacement quantities, and how an incremental discovery-path would be delivered given that adjacent properties must also dedicate easements. The record shows the applicant proposed planting 26 replacement trees on site and six street trees in the right-of-way (staff noted the city arborist can permit a reduced street-tree count to accommodate the larger driveway apron). The commission also approved a larger 66-foot driveway apron to support safe turning movements for service vehicles given a pending Commercial Street reconfiguration tied to nearby development.

Grading, air quality and generator questions: Because proposed grading exceeds 1,000 cubic yards, commission approval was required; staff recommended approval, concluding the grading would not harm drainage or neighboring lateral supports and that mitigation measures are incorporated in conditions of approval. Commissioners asked about emergency generator noise and emissions; staff said the Bay Area Air Quality Management District would issue any required permits for generator emissions and suggested the commission could require operational limits or preferred windows for generator testing to reduce neighborhood impacts.

Vote and next steps: A motion to grant the requested entitlements and adopt the mitigated negative declaration passed with recorded votes in favor by Chair Clemens, Commissioner Anand and Commissioner Cany; Commissioners Bundy and Tapias were excused. The commission’s action is final unless appealed to city council by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2026. If the appeal period closes with no appeal, the applicant may proceed to building-permit submittal and required public-works coordination for construction staging, TDM monitoring and recording of the easement after city council acceptance.