The Ventura County Planning Commission on Nov. 6 unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit PL24‑0119 to reinstate the expired entitlement that authorizes the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) operations and maintenance center and outdoor storage yard at 4105 West Gonzales Road.

County staff and the applicant described a multi‑decade property history: the site operated as a landfill under CUP 3650 (approved 1978) and ceased active landfill operations in 1996; later approvals allowed reuse of on‑site buildings as field offices. A 2008 CUP (LU06‑0031) authorized operations and an outdoor storage yard, and that entitlement expired in 2018. Code Compliance issued a notice of violation in 2024 for continued operation under an expired CUP. The current application (PL24‑0119) asks the commission to authorize continued operation with no changes to existing structures, staffing, or services; staff recommended a lengthy reinstatement (the presentation described a requested 40‑year CUP) and concluded the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15301 (Class 1, existing facilities).

Planner Eric Gasca described the site as the southernmost 1.7‑acre portion of an 83.64‑acre property near North Victoria Avenue and West Gonzales Road, south of the Santa Clara River. Staff noted the site includes existing office and modular buildings, on‑site hydrant fire water storage (two 5,000‑gallon tanks and one 6,000‑gallon tank), and an all‑weather access road shared in parts with a neighboring private business. No new construction or expansion is proposed; all activities will occur within the existing developed footprint.

Representatives from VRSD, including Eddie Pettit, and a SESP consultant told the commission the reinstatement will cure the 2024 NOV and that the district worked with county staff to process the application promptly after being notified. During discussion a commissioner asked how a public agency could miss an expiring CUP; a consultant and land use professional explained permittees are not typically sent expiration notices and long terms can be missed following staff turnover.

Commissioner Ayala moved to approve the reinstatement of the CUP; Commissioner Boystrom seconded. The roll call recorded five yes votes and no nos; the motion passed 5–0. The approved action formalizes continued operation of VRSD’s operations and maintenance center within the existing footprint and abates the cited violation.