Lompoc Approves Massive 34,661-Square-Foot Toyota Dealership on Vacant Theater Site

The Lompoc Planning Commission has approved plans for a new Toyota of Lompoc dealership that will replace two existing vacant buildings on North Eighth Street.

During its meeting on June 10, the commission gave its nod to Resolution 1030-26, granting architectural design approval, site development review, and a minor use permit for the project at 1036 North Eighth Street.

The redevelopment includes the transformation of the 2.9-acre site that currently houses the former Gemini Twin Theater and the old Alfie building. The buildings will be demolished to build a modern automotive sales and service facility.

The project’s representatives told the commission that the redevelopment was a significant investment that will convert vacant properties into an economic asset for the city.

The proposed dealership will feature a 34,661-square-foot building, which will have a two-story showroom, office space, reception, and training area.

The building will also have a service center with 12 service bays equipped with vehicle lifts.

Plans also call for indoor storage for tools, tires, and parts, along with an on-site car wash and detailing area.

Sales operations will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The service department will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, remaining closed on Sundays.

Project Design

Commissioners reviewed plans for a contemporary design consistent with Toyota’s national branding standards.

The building will feature Toyota Silver Metallic aluminum composite panels with red accents.

One of the building’s most distinctive architectural features will be an illuminated entry portal, known as a “novum structure.” The glass feature will appear white during the day and illuminate at night, serving as a visual landmark marking the entrance.

Access and Parking Changes

The proposed dealership’s primary entrance will be located at the southern driveway on H Street.

An existing northern driveway will stay permanently closed, project representatives told the commission. This change will require an encroachment permit from Caltrans.

The project is expected to have 69 parking spaces, which is fewer than the city-mandated 85 spaces.

Project applicant Jacob Weintraub also requested shorter parking stall lengths of 18 feet instead of the standard 20 feet. Planning staff noted that the commission can approve such deviations when they meet the “intent of the code.”

Although the landscaping plan does not meet the standard 15% requirement, staff noted that it will still increase the amount of landscaping currently on the property.

The project was determined to be categorically exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act as an infill development project.

Next Steps

Expressing his excitement about the project, Weintraub told the commission that the ownership group was enthusiastic about relocating and expanding the dealership.

He, however, did not provide an expected opening date of the new facility.

He agreed with all staff-recommended conditions of the approval.

Demolition of the existing Gemini Twin Theater and former Alfie’s building, along with additional permit requirements, including a Caltrans encroachment permit, must be completed before construction can begin.