Adelanto planning commission approves convenience store, quick-service restaurant and fueling canopy at Air Expressway and Adelanto Road

The Adelanto Planning Commission on a voice vote approved a location and development plan to build a convenience store, a quick-service restaurant and a fueling canopy on a one-acre parcel at the southwest corner of Air Expressway and Adelanto Road.

Planner Christian Espinoda told commissioners the subject site "meets or exceeds all of the development standards for the business park zone" and that staff had determined the proposal is categorically exempt under a Class 32 infill exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act. "Tonight's recommendation, staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution 20520 and the Class 32 categorical exemption and approve Location Development Plan 25-0-5, subject to conditions of approval," Espinoda said.

The application would allow a convenience store of roughly 4,994 square feet, a 1,000-square-foot quick-service restaurant and a fueling canopy serving the business-park zone. Architect Tom Steno, who identified himself as "Tom Steno, architect with Steno Design Studio out of Hesperia," asked the commission to note a discrepancy he found in the draft conditions: the conditions sheet listed "6,000 square feet" in one place, while the project and the fire conditions correctly list the building at about 4,994 square feet. He asked staff to correct that clerical error before final permits are issued.

Applicant David Dylan, who introduced himself during the hearing, told the commission he owns and operates a truck-stop (Pemex) on Highway 395 and has monitored the corner for several years. Dylan and the applicant team said a recognizable quick-service tenant and a fueling canopy would draw routine customers from nearby traffic on Air Expressway and 395.

A commissioner moved to adopt the planning commission resolution approving the Class 32 exemption and the location and development plan; Chair Wagner seconded the motion. The commission voted by voice; the chair called for "Aye" and declared the motion passed.

The project record shows staff recommended approval with conditions and a CEQA Class 32 finding. The applicant said he hopes to begin work soon; staff and the applicant indicated outstanding ministerial steps (conditions cleanup and permit processing) remain before construction. The commission then proceeded to other agenda items and adjourned later in the meeting.

What happens next: staff will finalize conditions of approval (including correcting the square-footage inconsistency noted by the architect) and proceed with ministerial permit processing; no final building permits were recorded during the hearing.