GALT, CA (MPG) - At its Nov. 13 meeting, the Galt Planning Commission unanimously approved two major proposals for a new Grocery Outlet store and a 65-home residential subdivision to the city.

The first item on the agenda was to approve the conditional use permit for grocery and liquor sales for a new Grocery Outlet, which will occupy the former Rite Aid building located at Twin Cities Road and Carillion Boulevard. The grocery store was confirmed to occupy the space earlier this year by city council. 

 

The new Grocery Outlet will be located at the Carillion Corners shopping plaza, near businesses including Dollar Tree, Anytime Fitness, Taco Bell, Papa Murphy’s and Tractor Supply.

The 70,277-square-foot store will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and employ approximately 35 workers, with 12 staff members on site at any given time. Alcohol sales will make up only a small portion of operations, accounting for about 4 to 5 percent of total revenue and 5 percent of floor space.

Commissioners asked about exterior improvements and project representatives confirmed that the property would receive updates to signage and landscaping, as well as the removal of the former drive-through area to accommodate truck delivery operations. The permit was approved without opposition.

 

The former Rite Aid building at Twin Cities Road and Carillion Boulevard, shown here, will soon house a new Grocery Outlet, which was approved for a conditional use permit for grocery store use and liquor sales at the Nov. 13 Planning Commission meeting. 

The commission also granted approval for the Sheffield Subdivision, a proposed single-family housing development on a vacant 9.5-acre parcel at 13315 E. Stockton Blvd. The project underwent review for a General Plan amendment, amendment to the Northeast Area Specific Plan (NEASP), rezoning to R2-PD (planned development), tentative subdivision map approval and environmental review through a Mitigated Negative Declaration.

While existing zoning would allow 57 homes, commissioners approved the applicant’s request to increase the number to 65 lots, citing efficient land use and the need for additional housing options. City staff described the development as a strong example of infill growth.

The item was met with a few public comments by residents regarding potential traffic impacts, wildlife displacement, noise and the absence of dedicated park space.

The commission decided on additional project conditions that restricted all homes built on lots one through 11 to single-story design to maintain consistency with adjacent properties. Duplexes were fully prohibited within the development and the commission permitted the use of a reduced three-foot side yard setback for the Plan 2 home models throughout the subdivision.

City staff noted that the developer will be required to comply with biological mitigation standards, pay tree mitigation and park impact fees, and implement traffic-related improvements. While no new parkland will be provided, staff noted, the subdivision will instead contribute to citywide park funding.

Here is another angle of the 9.5-acre parcel at 13315 E. Stockton Blvd., where the proposed 65-home residential subdivision will be developed. It currently has one single-story vacant single-family home surrounded by grassland that will be replaced with residential lots ranging from 3,825 to 7,170 square feet.

Project planners highlighted key infrastructure benefits, including expansion of the South Deadman’s Gulch pedestrian trail and extension of Lyonia Drive, which will improve traffic circulation and reduce congestion, particularly during school commute hours. Park Ridge Drive will remain a dead-end street to protect existing neighborhood character.

The developer, Fieldstone Homes, indicated that engineering work is already underway and expressed the intent to begin construction in spring, pending City Council approval scheduled for December.

“We intend to build quality homes targeted at first-time homebuyers and move forward responsibly,” the developer stated during the hearing.

The Sheffield Subdivision was approved on a 4-0 vote, with all additional conditions adopted.

Design review, including architecture, materials and pricing, will be addressed during a future public hearing. The Planning Commission will also hold a pre-meeting on Dec. 12 to review a proposed 37-unit apartment complex near the post office.