The Santa Maria Planning Commission unanimously approved a permit that will allow the Chumash Casino Resort to build a new park-and-ride lot on Fairway Drive.

The lot will be the first such facility owned by the resort. It currently leases space for its lot at 3596 Skyway Drive — the old Airport Auto Center.

The City Council took its final action on the project Tuesday night by approving a General Plan amendment and changing the zoning for the property.

The commission approved a planned development permit that will allow the resort to move forward with construction.

The resort plans to build a lighted 340-space fenced parking lot that will include a 450-square-foot security office, restrooms and bus shelter. The lot will also be landscaped.

The facility will handle resort employees and customer traffic. Employee shuttles will depart from the facility at the top of the hour 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Guest shuttles will leave Santa Maria three times a day Monday through Saturday and twice a day Sunday.

The resort estimates approximately 425 people each day will use the facility.
The commission also approved a conditional-use permit for the Christian Church Center, which plans to operate at 2125 S. Broadway, Suite 104.

A tentative parcel map was also approved that will allow the owner of parcels 301 N. Depot St. and 705 W. Main St. to subdivide the lots.

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