The Campbell Reporter
News
Chevron station plans expansion with mini mart and more pumps
By Cathy Weselby
One of the busiest intersections in Campbell will soon have an improved look. The Chevron station at the corner of Bascom and Hamilton avenues, next to the Delta Queen Classic Car Wash, plans to demolish its kiosk and construct a convenience market and another pumping station.
The plans include a 2,045-square-foot mini mart that will sell beer and wine, and 17 parking spaces in the retail and refueling areas.
The Campbell Planning Commission approved the application in a 5-1 vote, but not without discussion over delivery hours and two signs that exceeded the city's new zoning code ordinance.
City staff recommended Chevron restrict its delivery hours to between 8 p.m. and midnight.
However, Bob Abbott, a representative from Chevron, voiced concerns about the restriction. He said tank sensors trigger the gas deliveries, and restricting the time frame to a four-hour window would increase rather than decrease the number of deliveries to "top off" the tanks.
Abbott suggested restricting deliveries during peak traffic times, which the planning commission added to its conditions of approval.
The other concern was that the size of the proposed gas price sign along S. Bascom Avenue would be 26.8 square feet instead of the code's allowable maximum of 16 feet.
"Gas signs are ubiquitous, and it's a busy corner," Campbell Planning Commissioner Bob Roseberry said. "I really don't have a lot of heartburn about the extra feet."
Abbott pointed out the city's code requirements for signs are not compatible with the gas price sign requirements in the California's Business and Professional Code.
The other issue that troubled the commissioners was the unsightly newspaper stands on the corner of Bascom and Hamilton avenues. They discussed replacing them with uniform stands, such as the ones downtown, but the city has no authority in this area. The newsstands are the property of the individual publications.
The planning commission, however, was pleased with the proposed aesthetics of the building and landscaping and street improvement plans, which the commissioners said would enhance the intersection and city corner.
Chevron plans to submit a request for a building permit in a couple of months.
