Sweet Home planning commission approves conditional use for two-pump fuel station at Hilltop Market

The Sweet Home Planning Commission on Jan. 15 approved Conditional Use Permit CU25-02 to allow a fuel station with two gasoline pumps and one underground storage tank at the Hilltop Market site on North Highway 20.

Planning staff told the commission the subject property (Tax Lot 1900, approximately 23,522 square feet) lies in the C-2 Highway Commercial zone, is served by city water and sewer, is not in a FEMA special flood hazard area and does not contain mapped wetlands. Staff recommended approval with conditions requiring demonstration of safe vehicular access, compliance with fire, environmental and hazardous-material standards, and submittal of required local, state and federal permits to the Community and Economic Development Department.

Applicant Sudip Lamisani, who said he has operated the Hilltop Market and other businesses for seven years, described customer demand for on-site fueling. "A lot of people asking, like, hey...Where is the gas system?" Lamisani said, and added, "That's why I make, try to make, like, you know, the gas station." He and staff said the proposal would use existing access and parking and that the pumps would allow fueling on both sides to ease circulation.

Commissioners asked about truck and trailer access, parking and potential impacts on a nearby laundromat and food vendor. Staff clarified the property is under common ownership where questions about cross-lot access had arisen and said conditions would ensure access and safety standards were met. Staff also recommended the Planning Commission's decision be subject to a 12-day appeal period under ORS 227.175 and that the commission direct staff to prepare a signed order to memorialize the decision if approved.

A commissioner moved to approve CU25-02 "adopting the findings of fact listed in the staff report" and applying the staff-recommended conditions; another commissioner seconded. Roll call votes were recorded as "Yes" from Commissioners White, Melcher, Walthius and Weiszenfrick. The motion passed.

Planning staff said it will draft the order and have the chair sign it; the signed decision will be mailed to the applicant and parties, and the 12-day appeal period will begin from the date the written notice is mailed.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed subject to the listed conditions and any required permits; the decision will be final unless appealed within the 12-day window.