McLeod Partners tentative parcel map approved after public concerns about blocked Hall Road access

The Planning Commission approved McLeod Partners’ tentative parcel map (TPM‑2504), a subdivision of a 60‑acre former lumber/industrial site in McLeod into three parcels and a remainder.

Senior Planner James Phelps described the site as a former McLeod lumber complex that contains existing industrial facilities and a Pacific Corp substation on proposed Parcel 1. Staff said the property is zoned heavy industrial, noted portions of the site lie inside a floodplain but that each proposed parcel retains buildable area outside regulatory floodways, and recommended the common‑sense CEQA exemption.

During the public hearing several nearby residents raised concerns about emergency access. Troy Frisbee, whose residence is adjacent to the site, said the neighborhood presently has a single access in and out and asked whether the developer would reopen Hall Road or otherwise address evacuation routes in the event of fire. Multiple speakers reported that logs have been placed blocking Hall Road and that the closure creates a potential safety hazard during wildfires and floods.

Bruce Burlinger said the blocked access was placed by a private property owner and characterized the matter as civil; staff noted road ownership and access disputes may be outside the commission’s jurisdiction. Surveyor Terry Curry clarified mapping artifacts on exhibit pages and confirmed the project removed a previously proposed fourth parcel and returned to an earlier remainder configuration.

A motion to adopt Resolution PC 2025‑021, determining the project exempt from CEQA and approving TPM‑2504 subject to conditions, passed by unanimous voice vote. The commission recorded no changes to the project map other than clarifications in the exhibit and instructed staff to ensure conditions reference required permits and floodplain management compliance. The chair announced a short recess following the vote.