Planning commission approves 5‑lot commercial subdivision; requires cross‑access easement with neighbor

The San Joaquin City Planning Commission on May 13 approved a five‑lot commercial preliminary plan for a 5.4‑acre site south and west of the Main Street and 900 East intersection, with the condition that the developer obtain a cross‑access easement with the property to the west before recording the subdivision plat.

The condition was added to ensure access for Lots 1 and 2 while property owners finalize longer‑term access plans; Commissioner Romero moved approval with the easement condition and Commissioner Tolman seconded. The motion passed unanimously, with Commissioners Romero, Wood, Hoffman, Waite and Tolman voting yes.

Planning staff described the proposal as a two‑phase commercial subdivision, with Lots 1–4 in phase one and Lot 5 in phase two, and noted the layout shown in the preliminary plat is conceptual and that individual site plans will follow as each lot develops. Staff said some form of access from the west — being negotiated with the adjacent Big O Tires property owner — is needed to make Lots 1 and 2 compliant with city standards and recommended the easement be secured prior to plat recordation.

Staff also told the commission that the hatched area on the north side of the site is within an area under study for a future Main Street interchange project; that work could require property acquisition by UDOT and the commission was advised to avoid permanent improvements in that footprint. Staff said developers had addressed DRC ‘‘red lines’’ and the Development Review Committee recommended approval subject to the easement condition.

The applicant, John (applicant), told the commission, "The only thing I wanted to add is that, I think it was mentioned if if we're intending to sell off or develop these, and and we're hoping to be able to develop these lots with commercial and retail uses that will benefit the city." He said two parcels are planned to be sold to end users, and the developer expects a mix of sales and retained lots to be developed or leased.

Commissioner Nixon was excused from the meeting because of a conflict of interest on the item. The commission handled the preliminary plan as the land‑use authority and recorded a unanimous vote to approve the plan with the listed condition. The commission then moved on to approve minutes from the April 22 meeting by unanimous vote.

The approval covers the preliminary subdivision only; staff reminded the commission that individual site plans, final plat recordation and any required agreements with UDOT or other property owners must be completed in subsequent steps before final development occurs.