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Commission Approves Service Station with Drive‑Through and ABC License; Staff Adds Mitigation Conditions
Summary
The commission approved CUP 2025‑24 for a convenience store and service station with a drive‑through at Hillman and Corvina, despite not meeting a 100‑foot residential setback. Applicant agreed to queuing changes, a 7‑foot block wall and landscaping to mitigate impacts.
The Tulare Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit 2025‑24, allowing a convenience store/service station with a drive‑through and an ABC Type 20 off‑sale beer‑and‑wine application for the southeast corner of Hillman Street and Corvina Avenue.
Staff told commissioners the project does not meet all drive‑through zoning standards — notably the 100‑foot separation from residential uses and certain stacking/queuing space requirements — and therefore requires commission approval. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions and cited a CEQA exemption for development projects (section 15332).
Alan Williams, representing the applicant (AW Engineering), said the design can meet the four required queuing spaces by shifting the ordering window but cannot feasibly achieve the 100‑foot setback because of property constraints. Williams proposed mitigation measures including a 7‑foot block wall and heavy landscaping along the west side to reduce impacts on nearby residences.
Staff noted there is a Tulare Irrigation District easement along the western property line that cannot be built over and confirmed the project was noticed via newspaper and mailed notices to owners within 300 feet; staff reported no public objections were received. An original landowner, Gridinelli, spoke during public comment and said the city changed setback rules after investments were made on the property.
Commissioner questions focused on why the ordinance was changed to permit closer scrutiny of drive‑throughs; staff explained the amendment was intended to give the commission the ability to add conditions to mitigate impacts where a drive‑through does not meet code standards.
A motion to approve CUP 2025‑24 (including Resolution No. 5535 and the staff conditions) passed on roll call. The approval allows the applicant to proceed subject to the conditions intended to mitigate visual and operational impacts on adjacent neighborhoods.
