Porterville staff review tenant-improvement proposal for Maximo's Bodega at 168 South Main Street

Porterville’s Project Review Committee reviewed a tenant-improvement/change-of-occupancy proposal for Maximo’s Bodega at 168 South Main Street on Oct. 30, 2024, and directed staff to send the applicant a letter summarizing departmental comments.

The committee, chaired by Oscar Cepeda, heard that the property is designated in the general plan as “downtown retail South of Olive” and lies within the downtown Overlay District. Committee members said the proposed use — a retail store with office space — is permitted in that land-use designation. Cepeda told the applicant, “You will be receiving a letter outlining each department's comments, related to today's project.”

Committee members and city staff emphasized that the project was presented as a tenant improvement with no construction now planned. James Wickersham, chief building official, confirmed that the floor plan presented reflected the building’s current layout and that no construction or structural changes were proposed at this time. Jeff O'Neil, city planner, reiterated planning’s comment that if any exterior changes are later proposed the work must comply with the city’s Downtown Design Guidelines.

Fire-operations staff provided standard code-related requirements. Clayton Dignam, Porterville fire marshal, said the project must comply with the current edition of the fire code and recommended a Knox box be installed; he also asked that fire extinguishers be provided to meet code and that address numbers be posted and contrast with their background so they are visible from the street.

Field services staff noted refuse and street-service arrangements. Brianna Spry, field services superintendent for refuse, said a 6-yard refuse container is already assigned to the site. Joe Baez and Robert Alvarez, field services staff, had no additional comments; Javier Sanchez, engineering and project management director, reported no engineering comments because no construction is planned. Mark Acevedo, police lieutenant, reported no public-safety comments.

The applicant was identified on the call as George Camacho (or Desiree Martinez) with Maximus; Camacho acknowledged receipt of the staff direction. No formal action or permit was approved at the meeting. The committee’s next step was administrative: city staff will compile and mail a written letter to the applicant outlining each department’s comments and any requirements to proceed.

Votes at this meeting: none — the item was reviewed and closed administratively.