Sunnyvale zoning administrator approves Auto Race permit for El Camino Real auto sales

Julia Klein, Sunnyvale—s zoning administrator, approved a special development permit on May 13, 2026, allowing Auto Race to operate an auto sales lot at 975 West El Camino Real, city staff said. The decision follows a staff recommendation and an updated condition limiting changes to hours of operation.

Gino Victoria, the project planner, told the hearing the proposal does not alter the existing building but would include paving, restriping and upgraded landscaping. "Staff supports approval of this permit because it results in improved utilization of the site," Victoria said, noting the site previously operated as a used auto dealership and more recently served as an overflow lot for a nearby dealership.

Victoria identified a single update to the draft conditions of approval (Attachment 3). He said, "Modifications to the hours of operation shall require approval of the director of community development through miscellaneous plan permit." Julia Klein adopted that amendment in her ruling.

Klein said the approval reinstates a prior use at the site and is consistent with the El Camino Real specific plan, the city's general plan and applicable zoning requirements. She directed that the permit be approved with the recommended findings, Attachment 2 and the amended Attachment 3.

The file for the project is PLNG-2026-0077 and the parcel is listed as APN 16501-038. The applicant declined to make a separate presentation and there were no members of the public who spoke during the public hearing. Klein noted the decision may be appealed to the planning commission within 15 calendar days.

The hearing was held by teleconference, included a staff screen share on conditions, and was adjourned after the ruling.