Porterville staff clear path for 367 N. Main to become ground‑floor business suites; upstairs residential will trigger accessibility and fire upgrades
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Summary
City staff told the applicant that 367 North Main may be converted into multiple street‑level business suites with residential units above, but plans must meet downtown design rules, repair and restripe the rear parking area, and—if residential is added—require sprinklers, accessible routes and possibly accessibility upgrades depending on project valuation.
Porterville’s Project Review Committee on Aug. 27 reviewed plans to convert 367 North Main Street into multiple first‑floor suites for small businesses and create residential space on the second floor.
Chair Oscar Cepeda told the applicant that the property sits in the downtown retail north zone and must meet the city’s downtown design guidelines and signage rules. “Any changes to the exterior complying with our downtown design guidelines,” Cepeda said, and staff flagged Chapter 305 of the Porterville Development Ordinance as the standard for business signage.
Planning staff also required that the existing rear parking area be repaired and restriped before occupancy and warned that outdoor events such as grand openings would require a temporary use permit. Water utilities staff said a backflow-prevention device will be required on the building’s water service.
James Wickersham, the city’s chief building official, reviewed accessibility issues and building‑permit triggers. He described the city’s accessible‑stall expectations—about a 17‑foot width with specific slope limits—and said whether extensive accessibility upgrades can be required depends on the valuation of the proposed work. "It doesn't sound like you're putting much money into it," Wickersham said, explaining that a hardship application may be available if retrofit costs would far exceed the value of the remodel.
Fire Marshal Clayton Dignam told the applicant that introducing sleeping units would trigger sprinklers for the entire building and advised installing them sooner rather than later to reduce future costs. He also said Knox access will be required for emergency responders. "If you're going to have residential, my suggestion is get the sprinklers sooner rather than later," Dignam said.
Staff described the permit pathway: submit plans identifying the proposed suites and separations; once a building permit is issued the applicant can begin construction, and tenants may be allowed to occupy portions of the building while nonstructural separation work continues under an open permit (permits generally must be finalized within six months). Planning and building staff will compile departmental comments into a consolidated letter to the applicant within about 2–3 weeks.
The committee did not take formal action; staff will follow up with written comments and technical requirements.