Planning commission approves vacation of 0 Street to clear way for Imperial Trust and Lumber expansion

The Imperial City Planning Commission voted 4-0 to approve a right-of-way vacation of 0 Street between 2nd and 3rd streets, clearing the way for Imperial Trust and Lumber to expand its on-site storage and yard.

City staff told commissioners the request, filed by applicant Raul Parra, is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) — citing Section 15305, Class 5 for minor alterations in land use — and recommended adoption of Resolution PC 2025-16 finding the vacation in conformance with the general plan. "This right of way vacation is a crucial part of his project," staff said during the public hearing.

Parra, who identified himself as the applicant, said the company needs the abandoned portion of 0 Street to expand its yard. "I really need the abandonment ... we don't really fit no more," he said, adding that business is good and the expansion would allow the company to create more jobs and bring additional capacity on-site.

Commissioners asked whether the adjacent property owner, identified in the record as Mr. Huerta, had been directly consulted and whether the signature on file — provided by the owner's wife while the owner was out of the country — reflected informed consent. Parra said his father had handled negotiations and that conversations with the owner had occurred in Spanish when needed; city staff said the process has been under way since 2022 and that Mr. Huerta had been made aware of the proposal.

Commission discussion focused on public-safety details. One commissioner raised questions about the location and spacing of fire hydrants for a site that would store combustible materials. City staff said hydrant placement and related fire-safety requirements would be addressed during the building-permit process and referenced prior hydrant work on the 2nd Street rehabilitation project as an example.

A motion to abandon the stretch of 0 Street between 2nd and 3rd streets was made and seconded; the commission voted 4-0 to carry the motion. Chairperson Rivera said staff will forward the commission's finding and the resolution to the city council for final action.

The meeting continued with brief reports and community announcements, including mention of a local holiday parade and praise for a recently improved neighborhood park. Chairperson Rivera offered seasonal remarks, and the commission adjourned, noting the next meeting may be scheduled for Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m.