Stockton Planning Commission Meeting – April 8, 2021

The Stockton Planning Commission met on April 8, 2021, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 425 N. El Dorado Street. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a public hearing on a design review and variance for a fire pump structure, and a training session on planning commission procedures and ethics. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of September 24, 2020: Approved 5-0 (Commissioner Villapudua recused as he had not watched the video). Motion by Jeff Sanguinetti, seconded by Waqar Rizvi.
• Minutes of March 11, 2021: Approved 6-0. Motion by Jeff Sanguinetti, seconded by Gerardo Garcia.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Design Review and Variance (Item 5.1): Staff presented a request from ML Commodities, the owner of an existing warehouse at 2005 West Washington Street, for a variance to allow a reduced front setback of 6 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 4 inches (required 10 feet) for a fire pump structure (17 feet wide by 7 feet deep). The structure would enclose a fire protection standpipe to enable installation of a fire sprinkler system. Staff worked with the applicant to explore alternatives, but the front location was the only feasible option due to the building's layout, railroad tracks on the west, and a two-story office in the corner. The variance findings were supported: special circumstances (existing building built before sprinkler requirements, no other feasible location), physical suitability (site is flat with ample parking—17 existing stalls, loss of 2 stalls still leaves sufficient parking for 7 employees), necessity (to allow fire suppression and business expansion), consistency with the General Plan (industrial use permitted), and no detriment to public health. The design review ensures the structure matches the existing building's colors (blue base, tan top). Mike Girdner, owner of ML Commodities, confirmed the need and thanked staff. Commissioners expressed support, noting safety benefits and staff's reasonable approach. The commission adopted Resolution 2021-04-08-0501 approving the design review and variance (6-0).
• Planning Commission Training (Item 8.1): Assistant City Attorney Lori Asuncion presented a training covering the Brown Act, City Charter, Municipal Code, council policies, Rosenberg's Rules of Order, ethics (conflicts of interest), and council contacts. The training was informational only; no action was taken. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about supermajority votes, social media (serial meetings), gift reporting, and attendance requirements. The presentation emphasized transparency, proper meeting procedure, and avoidance of conflicts.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Design review and variance for a reduced front setback at 2005 West Washington Street (Motion 2021-04-08-0501, carried 6-0). The decision may be appealed within 10 days per Stockton Municipal Code 16.100.020.
• Informational: Training presentation was received; no action taken.
• Adjourned: Meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM.