Lompoc Planning Commission approves new Toyota dealership on North Eighth Street

The Lompoc Planning Commission approved on June 10 a design review and minor use permit for a new Toyota of Lompoc dealership at 1036 North Eighth Street.

Staff told commissioners the project would replace long-vacant buildings on a 2.9-acre parcel with a roughly 34,661-square-foot, two-story showroom and a service center that includes 12 service bays. Staff said the proposal includes a car wash, indoor parts storage and landscaping; hours of operation were presented as sales Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and service Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The project was described as categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA section 15332 (infill development).

The staff report noted two specific departures from strict code standards: the project proposes 69 parking spaces where the Municipal Code requires 85, and the applicant proposes 18-foot parking stall lengths where the code calls for 20 feet. Staff said Planning Commission authority under the preliminary development plan provisions allows a finding that the project meets the intent of the code despite those variances, subject to conditions of approval (conditions P50–P57) addressing noise and integration with adjacent residences.

Applicant Jacob Weintraub said the ownership group is "very excited about the opportunity to relocate and expand Toyota of Lompoc" and that the team supports the staff-recommended conditions. "This project represents a significant investment in the community and will transform several long vacant buildings into a modern dealership," Weintraub said.

Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions. Commissioner Beverly asked which activities trigger the cultural-resource mitigation conditions; staff responded that excavation is the trigger and that the conditions are standard for projects that will disturb earth. Commissioner Cox asked about screening along the east property line adjacent to residential lots; staff confirmed a condition requiring construction of a solid eight-foot masonry wall on the east side of the site.

After discussion, the commission moved, seconded and voted to adopt the staff-recommended resolution approving DR 2025-0004 and MUP 2026-0002.

The commission took no separate vote tally on the record in the transcript. The approval concludes the planning-level review; conditions attached to the resolution must be satisfied before final permits are issued.