Planning commission approves final site plan for Baldwin Avenue gas station and convenience store with conditions

The Planning Commission approved a final site plan for a proposed automobile filling station, convenience store, office space and pharmacy at 805 Baldwin Avenue. The project, which previously received preliminary site plan approval and a special exception for fuel pumps, proposes a canopy with three dispensers, façade improvements to an existing building and a combined parcel layout that expands the service area.

Staff presentation and conditions: Planning staff summarized prior approvals and outstanding technical requirements. Staff recommended final approval subject to four conditions: 1) the site will be developed in compliance with the approved site plans; 2) the project’s stormwater pretreatment plan must be reviewed and approved by the city engineer; 3) a hazardous materials mitigation plan must be reviewed and approved by the fire marshal; and 4) the applicant must revise plans to make entrance and exit locations consistent across all plan sheets. Staff also noted the applicant had removed an earlier “future expansion” drawing and revised landscape plans to show the required plantings and two street trees along Baldwin.

Applicant and circulation concerns: Applicants (identified in the record as John Grama and Jason Kagi) said they had revised plans to address prior comments and that fuel‑delivery and vehicle circulation would be accommodated by the southern entry off Baldwin, with fuel trucks staging in the interior area near the pumps and unloading when the store is closed or at scheduled times. On‑site parking, canopy setbacks and the revised site layout reflect prior Zoning Board of Appeals variances the applicant obtained earlier in 2024.

Public comment and standards: Staff and the commission considered emails and comments received about consistency of floor plans and elevations and whether a retaining wall would be required where a building addition is proposed. The city engineer’s review concluded the geospatial/topographic information was acceptable for final site‑plan purposes and that detailed engineering (including any retaining wall, if required) would be reviewed and approved during permitting. Staff reserved final grading and construction plan review to the engineering permit process.

Action and conditions: The commission moved and approved final site‑plan approval with the four staff conditions listed above. The motion passed and the commission recorded final approval; staff will verify compliance with the conditions during permitting and inspection.

Ending: With the commission’s approval the applicant may proceed to final engineering and permitting, subject to required city engineer and fire‑marshal approvals and any additional conditions imposed during permitting inspections.