Commission Approves Elk Grove Subaru in Auto Mall

Oct 23, 2025 11:50AM ● By Idaly Valencia

During its regular meeting on Oct. 16, the Elk Grove Planning Commission voted 3-0 to approve the design review for a proposed Subaru dealership in the Elk Grove Auto Mall, at the northwest corner of Auto Passage and Laguna Grove drives. Photos courtesy of City of Elk Grove

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove Planning Commission approved plans for a new Subaru dealership during its regular meeting on Thursday, Oct. 16. The project will be built within the Elk Grove Auto Mall, off Elk Grove Boulevard and Laguna Springs Drive.

Commissioners Sandra Poole and Oscar O’Con were absent.

The only public hearing item was a major design review for Elk Grove Subaru, presented by city planner Sarah Kirchgessner. The proposal calls for a 56,159-square-foot, two-story dealership featuring a showroom, offices, a parts counter and 31 service bays. The project will include 89 standard parking spaces and 864 spaces for vehicle storage.

Located at the northwest corner of Auto Passage Drive and Laguna Grove Drive, the site will include a new three-way stop with a crosswalk at Auto Passage and Auto Center drives. The dealership will be near Elk Grove Hyundai and Niello BMW Elk Grove, across from Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.

The proposed dealership site, currently a vacant lot used for storage and overflow parking, is located in the Elk Grove Auto Mall near Elk Grove Hyundai and Niello BMW Elk Grove, across from Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.

Project architect Hugh Hines of PROTOinc spoke on behalf of the applicant, Lithia Motors, which was unable to attend the meeting. Hines said that Lithia Motors, based out of Oregon, recently expanded into the Elk Grove area and has acquired several dealerships throughout the Central Valley.

“This Elk Grove Subaru, which they (Lithia Motors) purchased six months ago, is seen as the jewel in the crown of their California holdings,” Hines said. “It’s an exciting project, especially as Subaru plans to launch three new electric vehicles next year.”

Hines added that the dealership will include rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations in alignment with CalGreen standards and the city’s Climate Action Plan.

“This is a really exciting project for Subaru and for us as architects to hopefully showcase the electric vehicle platform and contribute to Elk Grove and the surrounding community” he said.

The commission approved the project motion with a 3-0 vote.