Giant RV permit OK'd by Planning Commission

DOWNEY − Giant RV, a dealership selling new and used travel trailers and motorhomes, had its conditional use permit approved by the Planning Commission on Wednesday night, paving the way for its eventual opening at the former Gemco site. 

According to a city staff report, Giant RV plans to utilize the entire 9.7-acre property located at 11111 Florence Ave., which was formerly a Gemco department store, Sam’s Club and World of Decor. 

The dealership’s showroom will measure 87,674 sq. ft. Another 8,881 sq. ft. will be dedicated to office space, and 8,799 sq. ft. is set aside for the service area. 

There is also space for a sales area, parts storage, and electrical. 

The service area will only be used for light mechanical work, such as satellite dish installations and minor oil changes, according to the report. 

The dealership plans to operate seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

According to the report, the area between the building and Florence Avenue will be used for customer service parking, service center parking, and RV displays. 

The parking lot area on the east side of the building will accommodate RV inventory, and the RV service parking will occur along the north side of the building. 

Employees will park on the west side of the property. 

As part of the permit approval, city planners included some conditions, including that all mechanical work be done in fully enclosed areas, and that air compressor exhaust stacks contain muffling devices. 

Giant RV currently operates four locations in Indio, Colton, Montclair and Murrieta.