Board approves commercial building site plan with added screening trees at 595 West Clay in Valley Center

The Valley Center Planning and Zoning Board on Feb. 25 approved SP 20 25 0 3, a site plan application from Rodney Bruntz to construct a 4,050-square-foot commercial building at 595 West Clay in Valley Center. The board approved the plan with a condition increasing required trees along the west side of the building from the applicant’s proposed two trees to six trees for screening.

City planning staff presented the site plan and explained that the proposed landscaping, as drawn, would have required a waiver of the screening requirement because only two trees were shown on the west side; the board discussed options including adding fencing or additional landscaping. Board members and staff reviewed screening requirements that apply when commercial or industrial zoning abuts residential uses. One board member emphasized the requirement applies because of "commercial next to residential"; another board member clarified the consistency concern when zoning types differ.

The applicant, Rodney Bruntz, addressed the board and answered questions about site layout. After discussion, Board Member Dalton Wilson moved to approve SP 20 25 0 3 "with the condition that there would be 6 trees along the west side of the building instead of the proposed 2." The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The board’s condition is intended to improve screening where dissimilar zoning exists between the proposed commercial use and nearby residential parcels. Staff will incorporate the modified tree count into final plan checks and permit review.