I. RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 020P-001 with conditions for the construction of a new office at the Holmes Western Oil Contractors Yard at 1245 W. Elm Ave.
II. BACKGROUND:
On November 14, 2019 the City of Coalinga received an application for site plan review for the construction of a new 480 square foot office to be located at 1245 W. Elm Ave. In accordance with the Coalinga Planning and Zoning Code a site plan review is required for all commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential development projects.
Once the application was deemed complete staff requested comments from the necessary City Departments. This proposal incorporates feedback from all City Departments. The Coalinga Municipal Code requires that all applicable new structures permanent or temporary erected in the City require a site plan review and approval by the Planning Commission for consistency with all applicable zoning regulations.
III. PROPOSAL AND ANALYSIS:
The proposed project proposes to construct a new 480 square foot, single-story, pre-manufactured office structure to support Holmes Western Oil operations within the surrounding Coalinga area.
Land Use Compliance
The General Plan designation for the parcel is (MB) Manufacturing and Business with a zoning designation for Manufacturing and Business Light (MBL). The project use (contractors yard) is a permitted use and consistent with all the development regulations for industrial development.
Surrounding Land Use Setting:
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Direction
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Zoning
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South
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Industrial (MLB)
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West
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Agriculture (County)
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East
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Industrial (MLB)
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North
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Industrial (MLB)
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Site Plan Review
According to Section 9-6.402 of the City of Coalinga Municipal Code, a site plan review is required for all development projects within the City. The purpose of the site plan review is to enable the Community Development Director or the Planning Commission to make findings that a proposed development is in conformity with the intent and provisions of the Coalinga Municipal Code, and to guide the Building Official in the issuance of permits. The proposed project does not fall under the exempt projects and projects qualifying for Administrative Site Plan Review; therefore, the proposed project requires site plan approval from the Coalinga Planning Commission.
Findings for Approval
According to Section 9-6.404 of the Coalinga Municipal Code, the Planning Commission shall consider the following findings to approve a site plan:
- The proposed construction/alterations are in substantial conformance with the General Plan, zoning ordinance, and any applicable plans adopted by the city.
- The proposed construction/alterations conform to the requirements of the applicable Zoning Districts.
- The proposed construction/alteration conforms to all applicable design standards and guidelines, as adopted by the City Council.
- The construction/alteration will not have significant adverse effects on the public health, safety and welfare.
Staff Analysis
As described in more detail below, City staff has determined the proposed project is in substantial conformance with the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and any applicable plans adopted by the City.
Structure: The proposed structure is a 480 square foot pre-manufactured office that will be placed on permanent foundation and finished in accordance with California Building Standards.
Access: Access to the proposed development will be via the existing driveway on W. Elm Ave.
Utilities: All utilities are readily available for connection to serve this development.
- Public Sewer Facilities exist in Elm Avenue and are available to serve this development. The applicant shall obtain an Encroachment Permit for any work within the public right-of-way.
- Public Water Facilities exist in Elm Avenue and are available to serve this development.
- Public Natural Gas Facilities exist in Elm Avenue and are available to serve this development.
Parking: In accordance with section 9-4.302 Table 4.4 of the zoning code, the parking requirement for construction and material yards is to be determined by the Community Development Director. The project is for the construction of a small office to serve as a meeting place for staff with a conference room, office space and restroom facilities. The applicant is proposing (4) new parking stalls including an ADA stall, in addition to additional improved space for additional vehicles. In the opinion of the Director, four (4) spaces is acceptable to support the demand of the small office and intended use.
Refuse Containers: The site plan does not provide a location for the trash enclosure, however, on the final site plan, the applicant will be conditioned to provide a location for a trash enclosure that will be reviewed and approved by the Director.
Landscaping: The applicant will be providing landscaping along the Elm Ave (SR 198) street frontage and adjacent to the proposed office. The landscaping will meet the requirements of the planning and zoning code.
Lighting: The only additional site lighting that is being provided will be on the building for security and accessibility (porch style lighting). The site is already equipped with onsite lighting.
Signage: No signage has been provided as part of this application.
Environmental Considerations
The Community Development Director has determined that the proposed project supports a Planning Commission finding that it qualifies for a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project qualifies as a Class 32 exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, as described below, applies to the project:
15303, Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure.
IV. FISCAL IMPACT:
None determined at this time.
V. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending approval of the following project because it meets and/or exceeds the requirements of the Coalinga zoning code in the following respects:
- That all applicable provisions of the Code are complied with.
- That the project is so arranged that traffic congestion is avoided and pedestrian and vehicular safety and welfare are protected, and there will be no adverse effect on surrounding properties: Facilities and improvements; Vehicular ingress, egress, internal circulation, off-street parking and loading; Setbacks; Height of buildings; Locations of services; Walls and fences; Landscaping; Site drainage; Refuse enclosures.
- All signs related to this development shall be reviewed and approved at a later date.
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