The San Bernardino County Planning Commission has approved plans for a new Tractor Supply Company store in Phelan. The vote came at the commission’s July 17 meeting after a presentation by county staff and representatives of the developer.
David Mack, contract planner for the county, told commissioners the project calls for an almost 24,000-square-foot store on a 5-acre parcel located on Phelan Road between Sunshine Plaza and Phelan Elementary School. The site will also include nearly 20,000 square feet of fenced outdoor display space and a 3,000-square-foot trailer display area. Mack said the project is consistent with county development standards and the Phelan-Piñon Hills Community Action Guide, which encourages new retail and roadway improvements in commercial areas.
The building will stand about 31 feet tall, just under the 35-foot height maximum allowed for commercial zoning. A site plan presented at the meeting showed two access points: one directly from Phelan Road and another from an extension of Riggins Road that will be built along the west side of the property. The project also includes new curbs, gutters and sidewalks, and stormwater will be managed through underground infiltration systems located behind the store. County staff noted that the store’s parking plan exceeds requirements, providing 98 spaces where 96 are required, and that landscaping will cover more than a quarter of the property.
Sandra Fox, a senior planner with Barkhausen Consulting Engineers representing the developer and Tractor Supply, described the store as one of the company’s newer designs. She explained that outdoor displays are a key feature of the layout, with merchandise displayed near the front and along the sidewalks. “We’ve tried to push the building up as far as possible to not impact those residents to the south,” Fox told the commission.
Fox also said the store would employ 14 to 18 people, receive one truck delivery per week and average about 270 vehicles per day. Store hours will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays, with lighting shut off an hour after closing.
Commissioners voiced support for the project before casting their votes. Commissioner Matthew Slowik of the Second District said, “I’m sure the entire community there, all of the residents, are going to be really excited with the grand opening of this facility.” Vice Chair Kareem Gongora added that Tractor Supply’s expansion into the High Desert was a welcome investment, mentioning other recent projects the company has completed in the Inland Empire.
No members of the public spoke in regards to the project during the hearing, and county staff reported that no written comments were received after notices were sent to property owners within 700 feet of the site. Mack noted that the project qualified for streamlined review under the California Environmental Quality Act because it is consistent with existing zoning and the countywide plan, which was certified with an environmental impact report in 2020.
The commission voted unanimously to adopt the findings and approve the conditional use permit, directing staff to file a Notice of Exemption. No date was given as far as when construction might begin on the new facility.
Tractor Supply Company was founded in 1938 and has grown to become the nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer, with more than 2,300 stores in 49 states. The company caters to farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners and pet owners. Their range of products includes farm supplies, lawn and garden products, pet food and accessories, tools, fencing and work clothing.
