Calistoga council approves use permit to restore auto sales and repair at 1856 Lincoln Avenue

The Calistoga City Council voted on March 19, 2024 to approve Use Permit UP 2023-4 to allow automobile sales and repair at 1856 Lincoln Avenue, a roughly 0.5-acre site adjacent to the Lincoln Avenue Apartments.

Planner Lauren Clark, who presented the staff report, said the proposal would "reestablish the historic use of auto sales and repair" with only minor interior and exterior alterations and that the project meets the community commercial zoning and parking provisions. Clark told the council the permanent signage was not part of this application and would require a separate planning-and-building review.

The permit was noticed to property owners within 600 feet, Clark said, noting staff exceeded the zoning-code mailing requirement of 300 feet by mailing to the larger radius, posting A-frame signs at the site and publishing the hearing notice in the local paper. The project was reviewed under CEQA; staff identified the action within the applicable CEQA screening and recommended adoption of a resolution approving the use permit.

Several residents spoke in favor of the application. Walter Abernathy said the town needs local services and "I support this, I encourage you to approve it." Property owner Martin Lauber, who identified himself as the owner of 1856 Lincoln Avenue, asked that emailed comments be included in the public record.

Council discussion focused on whether the proposed use fits the urban-design character area of the general plan. Supporters said the site's historic use and the zoning designation make the proposal compatible; one council member said the building type and past use are consistent with the character-area description. Council member Gift said she brought the item forward to ensure the urban-design element received additional review, saying the goal was not "to shut down the business" but to confirm consistency with the full general plan.

The measure passed on a roll call vote: Council member Eisenberg — aye; Council member Cooper — aye; Council member Gift — no; Vice Mayor Lopez Ortega — aye; Mayor Williams — aye. The council’s action adopts the use permit; the applicant must pursue required building permits, a fire inspection before occupancy and a separate application for permanent signage.

Staff noted sales tax generated by vehicle sales would remain in Calistoga and that the planning commission had placed a condition reserving parking for employees and customers. No implementation timeline beyond the standard permitting steps was specified at the hearing.