Costco Gas Station Approved By City Council In Novato After Appeal

NOVATO, CA — The Novato City Council approved a long-planned Costco gas station at the Vintage Oaks shopping center after a lengthy public hearing and environmental appeal.

The project previously received approval from the Novato Planning Commission, but opponents appealed that decision to the City Council.

Opponents, including environmental groups and local residents, argued the station conflicted with Novato's climate emergency declaration and gas-station ban. They also raised concerns about emissions near a nearby pediatric clinic and wetlands.

Supporters, including the Novato Chamber of Commerce, argued the project would increase tax revenue, keep Costco in Novato and offer working families cheaper fuel.

The council voted 4-1 to deny the appeal, certify the final environmental impact report and approve the project's use permit and design review.

Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Jacobs and Councilmembers Pat Eklund, Sandeep Karkal and Tim O'Connor voted to move the project forward. Mayor Rachel Farac cast the lone "no" vote.

Farac said her opposition was not directed at the retailer.

"My position is not anti Costco, it's pro Novato," she said. "I welcome Costco's presence in our city and value the services they provide, but a gas station at this location is not in the best interest of our residents, our environment, and our future."

The project includes 14 fuel dispensers with 28 fueling positions, three 40,000-gallon underground storage tanks and work on roughly one acre of the Costco parking field.

City staff said the facility met zoning rules and that all significant environmental impacts identified in the EIR could be reduced to less than significant with mitigation.

Karkal, a civil engineer, said the fuel storage system matched what Costco uses nationwide. He said the double-walled fiberglass tanks were "very well established, well tested, proven technologies throughout the United States."

O'Connor emphasized the financial and consumer angle. He said the project would not create new demand for gasoline, but would "serve existing drivers who already own gasoline-powered vehicles."

He also said Marin County regularly has some of the highest fuel prices in the country and that lower prices would provide direct economic relief to residents for commuting and everyday expenses.

The council added a condition requiring Costco to turn off all non-essential exterior lighting at the fuel canopy after 11 p.m., allowing only security lighting consistent with the city's lighting code.