Sonoma approves reconstruction of fire damaged Napa Auto Parts

A Sonoma structure scarred by a 2020 fire will finally get a facelift after years of neglect after a Feb. 20 planning commission decision to approve the reconstruction of the Napa Auto Parts storage building.

The structure, currently used by Napa Auto Parts and located at 19425 Sonoma Highway, was damaged in an Aug. 7, 2020, fire. The building was formerly used for commercial retail and accessory storage.

The applicant, Rebecca Henley, sought to reconstruct the 2,800-square-foot-structure to its prior state, repairing fire damage and making it safe for use.

The proposal includes rebuilding a historic barn on the property to be used as storage space for the local Napa Auto Parts store, replacing the interior and exterior siding, repainting the north end of the structure, and adding a new ADA-accessible ramp.

Questions around whether the building’s existing mural would be maintained were raised, since the community has embraced the mural as a local landmark.

Henley said she and the property owner have discussed repainting the mural to have it match the building.

“I think the mural is only eight, nine years old, so it’s not historically significant. Although, I think we all enjoy looking at it, it’s sort of a Sonoma landmark,” Henley said. “We’re are all very accustomed to having that there.”

Commissioners expressed appreciation for the historic nature of the barn structure and the desire to see it restored.

Vice Commissioner Chair Matt Wirick thanked the applicant for undertaking the project, stating it has been long overdue.

“This is a unique building that we all enjoy seeing and driving by in Sonoma. And the eyesore that it’s caused by that fire damage,” Wirick said. “So, I’m glad to hear that there’s steps being taken toward remedying that.”

Commissioner Larry Barnett raised concerns over damaged parts of the structure that are visible from the street.

“Clearly the building is still showing the effects of the fire and the period of difficulty,” Commissioner Larry Barnett said. “I’m assuming that all these roof structures that are looking like they’re dilapidated and decaying, they’re all going to be replaced?”

“So in the burn structure, that will all be replaced and rebuilt, where we marked. The roofs will be all replaced and rebuilt,” Henley said.

The issue of pedestrian access along the state highway right-of-way was also raised, with commissioners suggesting the use of decomposed granite to create a more walkable surface. However, any work in Caltrans’ jurisdiction requires approval from the state agency.

While the building’s nonconforming aspects, including the front, street-side, and side setbacks as well as the height, will remain, the commission determined improvements won’t increase the nonconformity of the structure.

The commission deemed reconstruction to be consistent with the commercial zoning and development standards, and is supportive of the primary use on the property.

During public comment, issues were raised around temporary construction impacts, potential Caltrans declarations of nonconforming use, compliance with California’s Building Standards Code, and opportunities for green infrastructure improvements.

Resident Tom Conlon said, “I walked there recently and encountered the unserviceable nature of that whole strip there.”

Conlon mentioned that the temporary plastic K-rail devices used to protect workers during construction would further squeeze pedestrians in the area.

“I also think that would be a temporary encroachment into Caltrans, and you’d need to get some kind of approval to do that. But being temporary might be easier than a permanent change,” Conlon said.

Conlon also questioned whether the rebuilding of the walls would require compliance with Title 24 energy efficiency standards, particularly since the building is intended for warehouse/storage use.

The commission unanimously voted to approve the use permit, recognizing the importance of rehabilitating this long-standing structure in the Sonoma community.

You can reach Staff Writer Emma Molloy at [email protected].