Perris planning commission approves parcel merger and 24,090-sq.-ft. industrial building in Perris Valley Commerce Center, 3-0

The City of Perris Planning Commission voted 3-0 on Dec. 4 to adopt Resolution No. 24-22, finding parcel merger 24-0013 and development plan review (DPR) 23-00003 categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under section 15332 (infill development), and approving the merger and the development plan to facilitate a 24,090-square-foot industrial building on 1.51 acres in the Perris Valley Commerce Center specific plan.

Staff presentation: Associate Planner Alfredo Garcia told the commission the applicant proposes to merge three parcels, construct a single 24,090-square-foot building and provide employee amenities, a trash enclosure and eight EV parking stations. Garcia said the project provides 18.4% landscape coverage (the specific-plan prerequisite is 12%), and will provide surplus parking of 12 spaces over the required amount.

Truck routes and conditions: Staff and engineering recommended a modification to Planning Condition 44 so that truck-route language matches Engineering Condition 5b; the recommended truck routes identify specific public roadways (Harley Knox Boulevard and an alternative routing using Placentia Avenue to Morgan Street) and limit truck movements to those approved routes. Engineering staff clarified that the options include routes using Harley Knox (north access) or an alternate route from the Placentia Avenue interchange. The commission added the requested modification to the condition of approval.

Applicant remarks: Jacob Leyrer, senior project manager at Herdman Architecture and Design, said the project is a built-to-suit for an owner with a small electronic distribution company and that the site expects only ‘‘one or two large trucks monthly’’ and primarily smaller box-truck deliveries similar to FedEx or UPS.

Public comment: A nearby resident, Monica Carmen Delatorre, said road conditions are poor and asked whether diesel truck traffic would affect local streets; she said, "I already popped a tire." Staff noted truck routing conditions and suggested follow-up with city engineering for road-maintenance questions.

Commission deliberations and vote: Commissioners asked for confirmation that the landscape quantities and irrigation details would be provided with building permit submittals and requested that exterior stone finish and manufacturer/style be noted on construction documents. Commissioner Lopez moved the resolution and adoption; the motion was seconded and carried on a 3-0 roll call (Commissioner Lopez: yes; Vice Chair Scheifele: yes; Chair Sharon Hammond: yes). Garcia confirmed staff will ensure detailed landscape/irrigation plans are reviewed prior to permit issuance.

What the action does: The commission's approval allows the applicant to proceed toward permit filings subject to the conditions of approval, including the clarified truck-route condition and requirements to provide final landscape and material specifications with construction documents. The commission recorded the action as categorically exempt under CEQA §15332 (infill) based on the project's conformance with the specific plan and development standards.