The Corona Planning and Housing Commission voted 5-0 to grant a conditional use permit (CUP2022-0007) for a proposed aluminum foundry at 204 North Smith Avenue, adopting Resolution No. 2679 and finding the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15332.

Associate Planner Brendan Daldy presented the staff report, saying the subject property is 2.46 acres and that Building C would expand from about 9,000 square feet to roughly 13,000 square feet to accommodate the foundry. "In its simplest form, the foundry use is the process of treating, melting, and casting metals," Daldy said, noting the applicant would be using aluminum. Staff reported reviews of traffic, noise, air and water-quality studies and recommended the commission find no significant impacts and approve the permit with conditions.

Commissioners asked why a CUP is required for a foundry; Daldy said the zoning allows foundries in the M-2 zone but that a CUP is appropriate because larger-scale foundries can generate heavy truck traffic, vibration and noise. For this proposal, staff said the operation is relatively small scale and anticipates about one truck in and out per day.

George Carlos, the facility manager for the Corona location, addressed employment. "Right now, we're staffed with 4 employees plus myself as the manager," Carlos said. Asked about projected staffing with the foundry use, Carlos said the preliminary profile would take the operation from about five employees to approximately 24.

Daldy's presentation stated the project qualified for a categorical exemption under CEQA (Guidelines section 15332) for infill development and that staff found the CUP consistent with the general plan and applicable development standards. Daldy recommended adoption of Resolution No. 2679 to grant CUP2022-0007 with the conditions listed in the staff report.

Commissioner Vernon moved that the commission adopt the CEQA exemption and Resolution No. 2679 granting CUP2022-0007; the motion was seconded and passed 5-0.

Under the staff presentation, the next procedural step for the applicant is to pursue the separate building permit associated with the proposed expansion and foundry equipment. The record includes the staff report, project plans, and the CEQA finding adopted by the commission.

Note on names: the staff introduction referred to the applicant as both "Olmex USA Incorporated" and "Almex USA" in the record; the transcript contains both renderings. The commission's actions and project description use the staff report language and Resolution No. 2679 as the authoritative record.