Taft Planning Commission approves Water Mill Express modular water vending unit
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Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit 2025-02 for a 106-square-foot modular Water Mill Express vending unit on a 0.58-acre parcel in downtown Taft, finding the project exempt from CEQA under the State CEQA Guidelines.
The City of Taft Planning Commission on April 16 approved Conditional Use Permit 2025-02 to allow a modular Water Mill Express water vending unit approximately 200 feet east of the northeast corner of South Tenth Street and Front Street.
City planning staff told the commission the application complies with applicable setbacks and other zone requirements. The approved unit will occupy 106 square feet on a 225-square-foot concrete pad, include three parking spaces and sit on a 0.58-acre parcel within the Downtown Taft Specific Plan. Staff said the parcel was originally part of the larger Grocery Outlet site and remains under the same property owner who developed Grocery Outlet and Dollar General nearby.
The commission adopted a resolution approving the conditional use permit and finding the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). The motion passed by roll call with all members voting yes.
As part of permit approval, staff amended two conditions of approval. The resolution specifies the project is approved consistent with plans on file with the planning department and requires the applicant to maintain the modular vending unit, the leased area and the three parking spaces free of graffiti, weeds and debris and to keep the area safe and orderly. Planning staff said the property owner and lessee share responsibilities for overall property upkeep, with the vending unit operator responsible for damage or defacement to the unit.
The applicant confirmed the vending unit is similar to an existing Water Mill Express installation at Pilot Plaza in front of Save More and said process water would be discharged to the sanitary sewer; the applicant indicated openness to suggestions but did not describe an on-site reuse system.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Planning staff said they will file a notice of exemption and follow up with related paperwork after the meeting.
The commission moved on to routine reports and commissioner items after the vote.
