The Tulare County Planning Commission approved Special Use Permit PSP25084 on Nov. 13, clearing the way for six 12,000‑gallon above‑ground fuel tanks to be installed at a travel center on the southwest corner of Merritt Drive and 6th Street (APN 040‑020‑081).

Planner Jose Saenz told the commission the request is to add six above‑ground tanks — four diesel and two gasoline (91 and 87 octane) — as an accessory to an already approved travel center and that the site is zoned C‑2 MU (general commercial with mixed‑use overlay). Saenz said the project meets county zoning if the special use permit is approved and that a public notice and a 10‑day comment period were completed; staff reported no written comments returned. "Before you this morning is special use permit number PSP25084 to allow for the construction of 6 12,000 gallon above ground fuel tanks," Saenz said.

A commissioner moved to find the project categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act and the State CEQA Guidelines, citing Title 14, Cal. Code Regs. §15303 (Class 3). The motion described the exemption as appropriate for new small structures and asked the commission to approve the permit. The motion passed with six yes votes and one abstention; the clerk recorded the matter as passing.

Commissioners asked about safety and the choice of above‑ground tanks versus underground placement. Staff answered that the tanks will comply with state and fire codes and other applicable regulations. One commissioner disclosed having represented the property owners in the past but said that representation ended more than two years ago; the disclosure was included in the hearing record and no recusal was recorded.

Building permits for the service station were issued beginning April 29, 2024, according to the staff presentation. The commission’s action authorizes the use permit subject to the conditions on the record; enforcement of outstanding conditions and compliance will be monitored through standard permitting and enforcement processes.

The matter passed by the recorded vote; staff and the applicant will proceed with permit implementation and any required building permits or inspections.