Business options expanded in N. Rocklin to allow outdoor sales

Rocklin officials took action last month to allow outdoor sales in Whitney Ranch with some of the last large undeveloped retail lots in the city. Originally approved in 2002, the Northwest Rocklin General Development Plan area covers about 1,900 acres, or roughly three square miles. The northwest area is located east of State Route 65, west of Whitney Oaks Drive, south of the Lincoln city limits and north of Stanford Ranch. "The Northwest Rocklin General Development Plan area features most of the last large undeveloped retail land in the city," said Rocklin Planner Nathan Anderson in the council report. The area is currently experiencing substantial private investment and development activity, he added. Since 2002, the northwest plan has been updated numerous times, most recently in 2024 as part of the University Avenue Apartments. The City Council again amended the plan March 24, this time to unanimously allow exterior sales and storage, staff said. An outdoor garden store was cited as an example. The plan previously allowed only sales inside an enclosed building by right in multiple zones. It did not clearly allow retail sales or storage outside a building, staff explained. "Many retail uses operate with some exterior sales and storage. This can limit what can be located on retail commercial sites in the GDP area," said Planning Manager Arwen Wacht in the report. Outdoor sales would need a conditional use permit in the commercial and business park districts. The CUP process allows the city to set specific conditions, including screening, location, circulation, lighting, noise and operating hours. Of the roughly 1,900 acres, only seven properties would be affected by the amendment. Five are zoned commercial and two are zoned business-park. The vote also cleans up parking language to match outdoor sales. Staff said all but one of the commercial properties are either entitled and pending development, including Whitney Ranch ARCO, University Square, Whitney Ranch Chevron and Panda Express. Anderson said the amendment was not in response to any proposed development, and staff just wanted to be consistent with other nearby areas to improve commerce.