Porterville staff sign off pending fixes for two-unit infill at 1511 West Putnam Avenue

Porterville Project Review Committee staff reviewed a proposed addition of two 810-square-foot units to an existing single-family house at 1511 West Putnam Avenue and found the use permitted in the R-M-2 (medium-density residential) zone but requiring several plan clarifications and code-mandated safety improvements.

Planning staff said the site’s land-use designation and zoning allow the addition and confirmed the project meets the city’s development standards in broad terms, but asked the applicant to clearly show private open space for each unit (the code’s minimum open-space standard is 100 square feet per unit), identify any proposed fencing to the standards in section 300.03, and label any future signage (one building-mounted sign and one monument sign not to exceed 32 square feet are permitted for multifamily projects). City planners also noted landscaping and trash-enclosure standards in chapter 303 and section 300.13 of the development code.

Fire division staff said the project must meet the latest California Fire Code provisions. Required measures include hydrant spacing (no greater than 300 feet for commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use measured by hose-lay), on-site hydrants where required, and an approved fire apparatus access road within 150 feet of all portions of the first-story exterior walls, measured by an approved route around the building. Fire personnel directed that on-site hydrants must be accepted by the fire department before combustibles are brought on site and that any common driveways 50 feet or longer must provide a turnaround that complies with the adopted California Fire Code. The back (new) unit will also need to be sprinklered because the main house is sprinklered.

The building division reiterated the sprinkler requirement for the rear unit and had no other immediate comments. Public works and streets staff reported no comments; water services likely can be provided to the new units but will require standard utility taps and, if needed, backflow devices. The police department offered no comments.

Committee staff said they will compile department comments into a written PRC letter and provide it to the applicant in about two to three weeks. That letter will formalize required plan changes and the items the applicant must address before permits can be approved.

Discussion points included whether to show a designated fire lane/turnaround on the site plan or relocate buildings to meet access standards; staff advised either approach is acceptable provided the fire access and turnaround are shown and meet code.

A staff action item: the PRC will issue consolidated comments in a letter in approximately 2–3 weeks; the applicant must submit revised plans showing private open space areas, fire access/turnaround, hydrant locations as approved by the fire department, and any required utility/backflow details.