Porterville planning staff told the Project Review Committee on Dec. 17 that converting the former Olympic Gym at 708 West Olive Avenue into a tire shop is a permitted use in the city’s CG (general service commercial) zone but must meet parking, building, fire-safety and public-improvement requirements.

"It is a permitted use within the CG Zone District," Chair Oscar Cepeda said while outlining preliminary review comments, including that the proposal is classified as automotive vehicle service and repair (minor). Planning staff said the submitted site plan does not show required parking and that applicants must demonstrate compliance when they file for building permits: a minimum of two parking stalls per service bay and one stall per 1,000 square feet of storage were cited as the applicable standards.

The building division raised several design and egress requirements. James Wickersham, chief building official, said roll-up bay doors cannot substitute for a man door that opens to a public way and suggested creating an alcove if a swinging door would otherwise open onto the sidewalk. The applicant described two proposed bay openings of about 20 feet and 10 feet.

Fire-safety was a central concern because the business plans to store tires. Fire Marshal Clayton Dignam told the committee that tires are treated as a high-piled storage hazard at a lower threshold than many other commodities: "High pile storage is usually 12 foot threshold for other commodities, but with tires, it's the 6 foot level," he said. Dignam said sprinkler systems must be designed for that hazard classification, racks storing tires above 6 feet must be anchored and permitted, fire extinguishers must be provided, and a Knox box is required so firefighters can access the building.

Engineering staff flagged off-site and right-of-way issues. Javier, representing the engineering division, said pavement and sidewalk removed for the project will need to be replaced to match existing conditions (the current sidewalk is about 10 feet wide) and that a corner-curve map will be required. He noted a streetlight pole near the corner may need relocation and that Edison (the utility owner) would perform relocation and installation; the applicant would bear the cost and associated fees.

The applicant asked whether the city could contribute toward public-improvement costs after telling staff the project has faced multi-year delays and limited funds. Engineering staff said the applicant is generally responsible for those costs but that any contribution or fee relief would depend on permit valuation and a formal review: "We'll just have to look at the valuation of the permit," a staff member said. The record shows no permit had been submitted at the time of the review.

Economic development staff offered a brief note of encouragement. Maggie Salazar said the team was "just happy you're going to come," signaling staff interest in new commercial activity in the corridor.

There were also administrative clarifications: staff discussed an apparent address discrepancy involving 700 vs. 708 West Olive and a parcel/address listed as 25 North Cottage; building staff said unit designators (for example, 708A/708D) may be used to resolve the mailing/address assignment and that addressing must be visible and contrasted for emergency responders.

The committee will compile its preliminary comments into a formal PRC letter that staff said will be mailed to the applicant in about two to three weeks. No formal motions or votes were taken during the meeting; staff comments were advisory and contingent on the applicant’s eventual permit submissions and plan reviews. The meeting opened at 1:35 p.m. and closed at 1:55 p.m.