Planning Commission approves tentative parcel map for 116 West Lockford Street

The Lodi City Planning Commission on June 10 voted 6-0 to approve a tentative parcel map (PL2026005) that will divide a roughly 0.3-acre property at 116 West Lockford Street into two parcels and adopted a resolution finding the project categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) section 15315.

Planning staff told commissioners the site sits near the intersection of North Church Street and West Lockford Street in the downtown mixed-use (DMU) zone and is about 0.3 acres (13,200 square feet). "The parcel is approximately .3 acres or 13,200 square ft," staff said, and described the proposed split that would create a northern parcel fronting Lockford of a little over 7,000 square feet and a second parcel of about 6,131 square feet where a small shed currently sits.

Staff highlighted conditions of approval, including a required public utility easement on the western portion of the site that will prevent construction over that area to preserve future access to a city-owned well site in the southwest corner. Staff said departments routed the application for review, including public works and the fire marshal, to verify alley access and utility needs. When asked about alley width and emergency access, staff said the alley is believed to comply with the applicable standard and that the routing process includes department review.

Staff also noted that the downtown mixed-use (DMU) zone currently has no minimum parking requirements; "the downtown mix zone has zero parking requirements at this time," staff said. The public portion of the hearing produced no public comments.

Applicant Omar Sadiki of JTS Engineering joined by Zoom and confirmed the existing small structure on the lot is slated to be removed. "The applicant's plan is to demolish that and they're going to build a building in the future," Sadiki said.

A commissioner moved that the commission adopt a resolution finding the project exempt under CEQA section 15315 and approve the tentative parcel map subject to the conditions listed in the draft resolution. The motion was seconded and passed on roll call: Commissioner Deal—yes; Commissioner Eddie—yes; Vice Chair Singh—yes; Chair Hicks—yes; Commissioner Will—yes; Commissioner McNichol—yes.

The approval is subject to the conditions of approval outlined in the draft resolution, including removal or relocation of the on-site shed so the public utility easement will not be obstructed. The commission did not specify a recordation or implementation date during the meeting; staff will follow up on conditions and any required ministerial steps.