Stockton Planning Commission Meeting - July 27, 2023
Stockton Planning Commission Meeting - July 27, 2023
The Stockton Planning Commission met on July 27, 2023, from 5:31 PM to 6:03 PM. The sole item requiring a public hearing was a request for a Heritage Tree Removal Permit at 501 East French Camp Road. The commission voted unanimously (7-0) to approve the removal of 11 Valley Oak heritage trees, with conditions including a 3-to-1 replacement ratio resulting in 33 new trees planted in a city park.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of the February 23 and March 9, 2023 Planning Commission meetings, by a 7-0 vote (Motion 2023-07-27-0301).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Erica Lowery, a resident of Dudley Road whose property abuts the site, spoke in opposition. She expressed concerns about the impact on wildlife (birds, coyotes, owls), migratory birds, and the lack of notice to county residents. She stated that she requested the hearing due to these concerns and uncertainty about future development on the property.
Discussion Items
- Heritage Tree Removal Permit (Item 5.1): Brad Wall, Planning Manager, presented staff’s recommendation. The site, located south of the airport, is zoned Industrial General and is proposed for a future industrial development (over 2 million square feet of warehouse space). Of 25 heritage trees on the parcel, 14 would remain; 11 Valley Oaks were proposed for removal. The decision was solely on tree removal, not the underlying development. An arborist report rated the trees as moderate to good condition. The applicant agreed to a 3:1 replacement ratio (33 trees) at a city park location to be determined. Staff noted that a multi-species habitat plan administered by the Council of Governments will address biological surveys before any site disturbance. Commissioner Boparai clarified that only 11 of over 200 surveyed trees on the overall site (including adjacent parcels) are being removed. No further questions were raised.
Key Outcomes
- Approved Resolution 2023-05-27-0501 (moved by Commissioner Boparai, seconded by Commissioner Mallett) by a 7-0 vote, granting a Heritage Tree Removal Permit for 11 Valley Oak trees at 501 East French Camp Road, subject to conditions. Appeal rights are available within 10 days per Stockton Municipal Code Section 16.100.020.
Reports & Communications
- Michael McDowell, Deputy Director, explained that recent Planning Commission cancellations were due to a lack of applicant-ready items (not lack of staff work). He announced an upcoming study session on August 10, 2023, regarding regulations for large industrial warehouses, prompted by environmental and Attorney General concerns.
Commissioner Comments
- Commissioner Thompson: Announced Mayor Kevin Lincoln’s run for U.S. Congress, noting an event with Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
- Commissioner Boparai: Reported on a Conway Homes Resident Council back-to-school drive (hundreds of backpacks given away) and advocacy for human rights issues (Sikh genocide resolution, UN briefing).
- Vice Chair Nathaniel: Thanked staff and the public speaker, emphasizing the importance of resident engagement.
- Chair Rizvi: Thanked city staff and encouraged continued public participation.
- Commissioner Jones: Attended a women’s conference in Oakland and expressed interest in bringing ideas (keys to success) back to Stockton.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Planning Commission meeting of July 27, 2023. At this time, I will request the city clerk to please take a roll call. Commissioner Jones. Commissioner Mallet. Present. Commissioner Hall. Present. Chair Revsey. Vukar President. Dear Remy. Chair Rebsey. Present. Present. Commissioner Thompson. Present. Commissioner Bapari. Present. We have a quorum. Thank you so much. At this time, I would like to request Weiss Chair Nathaniel to please take us to Pledge of Allegiance. And the Republic for which it stands one. Thank you, Vice Chair. Agenda item number three, consent. There are two consent items. Unless these are comments on the consent calendar. We can simply call to motion and do a second. Good. We are gonna go. Yes, everyone was present at both of those meeting minutes. Perfect. So is there a motion? Move to approve. Move by Weiss Chair. Second. Motion to second. Seconded by Commissioner Barray. Please vote. Motion passes. 70. Thank you. Moving on to agenda number item four, public comment. This is the section of the agenda that is reserved for the public comments. Anything within the jurisdiction of this planning commission. We receive none, Chair. Thank you so much. Moving on to agenda number item five. Public hearing. Agenda number item 5.1 is a request for a heritage tree removal permit at 501 East French Camp Road, APNs 177-050-25 and 31. Application number P22-0963. This public hearing is open.
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