SUBJECT: Conditional Use Permit #1253, and Site Plan Review #471 initiated by Guru Ardaas, Inc., on behalf of Yosemite Village, LLC, property owner. This application involves a request for interface approval to construct a new gas station/convenience market (with beer and wine for off-site consumption), and an automated carwash at 1295 Yosemite Avenue. The subject site is generally located at the northeast corner of Yosemite Avenue and El Redondo Drive, within Planned Development (PD) #46 with a General Plan designation of Neighborhood Commercial (CN). *PUBLIC HEARING* ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION: Approve/Disapprove/Modify 1) Environmental Review #21-02 (CEQA 15162 Findings) 2) Conditional Use Permit #1253 3) Site Plan Review #471 SUMMARY Guru Ardaas, Inc., is requesting approval to construct a 2,000-square-foot automated car wash, a 5,000-square-foot gas station/mini-market (with alcohol sales for off-site consumption), and a 3,340-square-foot fuel pump canopy (12 pumps) on an undeveloped lot located at northeast corner of Yosemite Avenue and El Redondo Drive (Attachment B). A conditional use permit is required to approve the gas station, a car wash, and the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption (for buildings under 20,000 square feet). Gas Stations and car washes require a Conditional Use Permit within a C-N Zone per MMC 20.10.020 and this also applies to Planned Developments with C-N General Plan designations. A Site Plan Review Permit is required for interface purposes per MMC 20.32. A Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity (adopted by City Council) is required, because Merced is listed under Moratorium City for Type 20 alcohol licenses by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The Police Department has determined that they would support the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption if specific conditions are included to reduce the potential for alcohol-related incidents. The subject site is located across the street from single-family homes (west side of El Redondo Drive) and adjacent to a future apartment complex that was approved by the Planning Commission in 2020. The proximity to residential requires interface approval reviewed by the Planning Commission through a Site Plan Review Permit to consider the proposal’s compatibility with surrounding residential properties. Staff is recommending approval of this application subject to the conditions contained in the Staff Report. RECOMMENDATION Planning staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Environmental Review #21-02 [CEQA Section 15162 Findings], Conditional Use Permit #1253, and Site Plan Review Permit #471 including the adoption of the Draft Resolution at Attachment A subject to the conditions in Exhibit A and the findings/considerations in Exhibit B.

Committee

Planning Commission

Requested by

Development Services Department

Introduced

March 10, 2021

On agenda

April 7, 2021

Passed

April 7, 2021