During the recent Planning Commission meeting on June 11, 2025, the City of Hanford addressed a significant variance request concerning the development of an automatic car wash facility at 1726 Glendale Avenue. The proposal seeks to deviate from the established standards of the Hanford Municipal Code, specifically to allow a drive-through lane to encroach into the required setback and landscaping area.

The site, designated for service commercial use, was previously approved for a car wash under site plan review number 2022-18. However, complications arose during the building permit process when it was discovered that a 10-foot landscape easement exists along the northern property line. This necessitated modifications to the site plan, resulting in the drive-through lane being shifted into the required setback area.

The variance request aims to reduce the side setback from 15 feet to 10 feet 2 inches. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining adequate vehicle circulation and queuing for the car wash, as the current configuration would inhibit access to vacuum positions if the setback requirement were strictly enforced. The proposed drive-through lane would still maintain a distance of over 20 feet from the sidewalk along Glendale Avenue, ensuring sufficient space between the development and the street.

The Planning Commission's discussion highlighted the unique challenges posed by the lot's configuration, which is narrow and surrounded by urban development, making expansion infeasible. The variance is seen as a necessary accommodation to facilitate the development of this infill parcel, aligning with the city's general plan goals that support such projects.

Staff recommended the approval of the variance, asserting that the project is categorically exempt from further environmental review under CEQA guidelines. The commission's decision on this matter will have implications for the ongoing development of commercial services in Hanford, reflecting the city's approach to balancing regulatory standards with practical development needs.