Enterprise Rent A Car seeks conditional permit for vehicle sales and rentals in Westminster

The Westminster Planning Commission meeting on March 5, 2025, focused on a conditional use permit application from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to operate a vehicle rental facility and sell used vehicles at 5400 Garden Grove Boulevard. The site, which spans approximately 11 acres, has a history as a vehicle dealership since 1968 and was most recently occupied by Dennis Dillon RV Sales.

Enterprise plans to utilize the existing structures on the property for three main components: used car sales, commercial vehicle rentals, and vanpool rentals. The used car sales will be located in the main building, while the vehicle rental operations will be situated in a designated area of the parking lot. The project is designed to meet all parking requirements, providing three times the necessary stalls, and will not alter the building footprint.

During the meeting, staff noted that the project aligns with the city’s general plan and is expected to attract customers from across the region. A key condition of approval ties the vehicle rental operations to the used car sales, ensuring that if the latter ceases, the rental business will also be discontinued. This measure aims to prevent the site from becoming solely a vehicle rental operation.

Public notification was conducted prior to the meeting, and no comments were received from residents. However, concerns were raised by commissioners regarding potential noise impacts on nearby residents and the existing electronic sign's light pollution. The applicant, Paul McGlynn, emphasized that while the primary focus would be on vehicle sales and rentals, there is potential for expanding rental options to include passenger vehicles in the future.

The commission expressed interest in ensuring that the site’s appearance and operations would be beneficial to the community. The meeting concluded with a recommendation to approve the conditional use permit, pending further discussions on signage and community impact.