General Plan Text Amendment Application No. PLN2025-0070 – Highway Commercial Planned Development Update

General Plan Amendment Application No. PLN2025-0070 is a regulatory initiative by the Stanislaus County Department of Planning and Community Development to update the Highway Commercial Planned Development land use designation within the county's General Plan. The primary objective is to clarify and update policies governing the establishment of large-scale truck parking facilities in unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County. This amendment applies to properties under the Highway Commercial Planned Development designation and those requiring a rezone or general plan amendment to establish truck parking as a principal use. Under these guidelines, principal uses are limited to truck stops, truck parking, and restaurants, with land typically zoned for General Agriculture until rezoned to Planned Development. The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the Common Sense Exemption. Administrative milestones included a public review period from September 10 to September 30, 2025, and public hearings before the Planning Commission on October 16, 2025, and the Board of Supervisors on December 16, 2025. Regulatory compliance for future developments under this amendment includes adhering to water quality standards, such as obtaining NPDES permits for groundwater discharge and following the General Permit for Storm Water Discharges for projects disturbing one or more acres of soil. The process is managed by Senior Planner Kristen Anaya.