PLN200017 San Benito Travelers Station Conditional Use Permit and Site/Architectural Approval General Plan Amendment, and Zone Change, Amended IS/MND

The project involves a land use amendment in San Benito County to rezone a site at the southwest corner of U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 129 near Hollister from Rangeland and Agricultural Rangeland to Commercial Regional and Commercial Thoroughfare (C-1) to permit the construction of a traveler’s station. The proposed development includes a 4,000-square-foot convenience store and fast-food facility with a drive-thru, full-service auto and truck fueling, propane sales, electric vehicle charging stations, and a county informational kiosk operating 24/7. The site will feature 34 vehicle parking spots, including four reserved for employees, along with dedicated truck parking on the southern boundary. Infrastructure includes a new private septic system at the northern end and a storm detention pond on the southern end, while water supply will rely on an existing on-site well. The project underwent environmental review under CEQA, with a Mitigated Negative Declaration issued to address potential impacts on air quality, noise, groundwater, hazardous materials, aesthetics, light and glare, tribal cultural resources, and climate hazards such as wildfire and extreme heat. Construction began on November 29, 2024, with anticipated operations commencing in 2026. The site address is 1715 Searle Road, APN 012-030-023, and regulatory oversight rests with San Benito County’s Building Division, Resource Management Agency, and Environmental Health, with final approvals issued from their offices in Hollister or San Juan Bautista. Construction must comply with specified engineering standards, including 90–95% compaction per ASTM D1557-12, minimum 2,500 psi concrete strength, proper aggregate grading, and adherence to the California Fire Code and local municipal regulations. No formal contract value, procurement type, or federal acquisition clauses are documented; the process is governed entirely by local land use and environmental approval mechanisms.