The Porterville Project Review Committee on Monday reviewed a proposal for four new industrial buildings at PRC 2025-047 on Thunderbolt Drive, and staff outlined zoning and fire‑access requirements the developer must meet before construction can proceed.

Chairperson Oscar Tapeta opened the meeting and said the application proposes four buildings of about 3,500 square feet each for shop, office and storage uses on a property in the Airport Industrial Zone with a General Plan designation of Industrial Park and an airport overlay district. "For today's PRC agenda, we do have one item, which is PRC 2025‑047, property on Thunderbolt Drive," Tapeta said.

Planning staff advised the committee the project must comply with Section 204 of the Porterville Development Ordinance (employment districts). Staff reported the proposed building locations meet minimum setbacks and the applicable maximum floor-area ratio, and that proposed parking meets the minimums in Chapter 304 of the Porterville Development Ordinance. Staff also noted that proposed tenant uses will need to be checked against zoning and land-use requirements and that refuse and service areas must meet development standards.

The applicant (identified in the record as Logan) said the owner plans a phased approach: the two southern buildings would be built first and the two northern buildings at a later date. Logan said the owner requested finishing the northern portion with aggregate base (base rock) as a temporary surface "so he's not having to asphalt something that's gonna be torn out," and asked whether trailers and equipment could be stored there during the interim.

Planning staff responded that long-term storage must be located on an approved surface (asphalt or concrete) but that an engineering substitution request can be pursued. Staff also noted a minimum decomposed granite/aggregate base (DG) would be required for temporary storage surfaces.

Fire Marshal Clayton Dignam told the committee the project "shall comply with the latest applicable codes." He summarized several fire‑safety needs the applicant must address: a hammerhead turnaround (a 30‑foot turnout with a 20‑foot clearance near the trash enclosure), fire‑lane striping and signage consistent with vehicle and fire codes, placement of fire extinguishers to meet the currently adopted fire code, visible building address numbers, and Knox access. Dignam said that if the owner stages construction, he prefers the applicant pave the entire fire lane rather than allow a phased paving that could impede emergency access.

Cruz Anguiano of the Building Division and Joe Baeta from Public Works (streets) reported no additional comments. Chair Tapeta told the applicant to expect a PRC comment letter in about two to three weeks outlining each department's comments. The committee adjourned at 1:42 p.m.

Next steps: the applicant should submit any engineering substitution requests (for temporary surfacing) and updated plans showing fire access and turnaround details so staff can include conditions in the PRC comment letter.