I. RECOMMENDATION:
The recommendation is for the Planning Commission to approve Resolution 020P-010 for an application for Conditional Use Permit (CUP NO. 20-03) based on the Findings and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
II. BACKGROUND:
On August 11, 2020 the began processing an application for a conditional use permit to permit a truck terminal at 140 Truman Street to periodically park up to 4 semi-trucks and 4 trailers.
Conditional Use Permit Application
In accordance with the land use table in the Planning and Zoning code, truck terminal facilities require the issuance of a conditional use permit reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. This use classification requires special consideration to ensure that they can be designed, located, and operated in a manner that will not interfere with the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties. The process for review of Conditional Use Permit applications is designed to evaluate possible adverse impacts and to minimize them where possible through the imposition of specific conditions.
Truck Terminal Zoning Classification
A truck terminal zoning classification is defined as, “a facility used for the maintenance and short-term storage of trucks, or the loading and exchange of cargo.” The proposed use is consistent with this land use classification.
California Environmental Quality Act
This application constitutes a project in accordance with the California Quality Act, therefore staff has prepared an environmental analysis as part of this land use application.
Comments
Once the application was deemed complete staff requested comments from the necessary City Departments. This proposal including conditions of approval reflect feedback from the necessary City Departments.
III. PROPOSAL AND ANALYSIS:
Project Proposal
The applicant is proposing to use the property as a truck terminal to periodically park and store semi-trucks and trailers. According to their application, they plan to store 3 semi-trucks and 4 trailers even though their site drawing showed 4 semi-trucks and 4 trailers. The site is large enough to accommodate an additional truck should it be desired in the future. The total length of the semi-trucks and trailers is 70’ feet and can perform turning movements on site to accommodate the trucks and trailers. The applicant does not propose to conduct any repair or maintenance at this facility. This application review does not include maintenance on the semi-trucks therefore a separate modified CUP would be required to do so. This location will be used as their business office location and storage of the trucks only.
Project Location and Site Description
The proposed truck terminal is located at 140 Truman on a dedicated truck route in a commercially designated zoning area. The site is approximately 37,000 square feet. It has an existing structure on the parcel that was previously use for an office for a used car dealership. Attached to the office is an awning used for parking. The site is partially improved with asphalt and the remaining portion of the lot improved with compacted gravel where the semi-trucks will be parked. The property is surrounded by metal cyclone fencing where the east and west sides are slatted and the north and south open. As a condition of approval all boundaries of the property will be required to be slatted.
Truck ingress and egress are accessed off Truman using the existing 35-foot drive approach with electric rolling gate to avoid queuing on Truman as trucks enter the property. The applicant is requesting an extension of that drive approach to properly accommodate the trucks entering and exiting the property without causing damage to the sidewalk, curb, gutter, and driveway apron. A separate encroachment permit will need to be issued for the extension of the drive approach.
There is currently landscaping along the project frontage which satisfies the planning and zoning requirement for landscapes areas. However, any dead or diseased trees will need to be replaced per Public Works inspection.
Hours of Operation
The applicant has identified in their application that hours of operation will vary due to the nature of the business. Typical business hours for the office will be Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. Trucks will typically leave on a single day and not return until the end of the week at various hours so there will be limited in/out of trucks and trailers.
Surrounding Uses
Location
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Use
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South
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Unoccupied Lot (Zoned Service Commercial)
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North
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Oil Field Contractor Yard (Zoned Service Commercial)
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West
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RV Storage (Dollar General) General Commercial
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East
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Planned Development (Medium Density Residential)
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Public Comments
On August 27, 2020, public hearing notices for this project were posted and mailed to property owners located within 300 feet of the project site. As of this report, the City has received no written or oral comments on the project.
Environmental Review
The California Environmental Quality Act (Section 21000, et. seq. of the California Public Resources Code, hereafter CEQA) requires analysis of agency approvals of discretionary “projects.” A “project,” under CEQA, is defined as “the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.”
Staff has reviewed the project to determine the required level of review under CEQA. Staff has determined that the project is exempt and not subject to CEQA review pursuant to Section 15061 (General Rule) of the CEQA Guidelines. An activity is covered under the General Rule when it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity proposed will have a significant impact on the environment.
The Project consists of a CUP to allow the temporary parking and storage of semi-trucks and trailers in conjunction with a trucking operation. The proposed location is not considered environmentally sensitive. All public utilities and services will be available to the Project site. Based on staff’s review of the Project, no special circumstances exist that would create a reasonable possibility that granting a CUP for this project will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, the proposed Project is exempt from CEQA and no further environmental review is required.
IV. FISCAL IMPACT:
None
V. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION:
Conditional Use Permit Findings
A Conditional Use Permit shall only be granted if the Planning Commission determines that the project as submitted or as modified conforms to all of the following criteria. If the Planning Commission determines that it is not possible to make all of the required findings, the application shall be denied. The specific basis for denial shall be established for the record.
Staff feels that the findings for a conditional use permit have been met and will not have a detrimental effect on health, safety and general welfare of the community.
1. General Plan consistency. Approval of the proposed project will advance the goals and objectives of and is consistent with the policies of the General Plan and any other applicable plan that the City has adopted;
2. Neighborhood compatibility. The location, size, design, bulk, coverage, density, traffic generation and operating characteristics of the proposed project are consistent with the purposes of the district where it is located, and will not have an adverse effect on the neighborhood and surrounding properties;
3. Asset for the neighborhood. The nature use and architectural/design features of the proposed development make it attractive, functional and convenient. The proposed development enhances the successful operation of the surrounding area in its basic community functions, or provides an essential service to the community or region.
All elements of project are consistent with the City’s adopted General Plan. The project is also in compliance with the Planning and Zoning Code.
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