GALT, CA (MPG) - The City Council has unanimously approved measures that could make potential development of 12.42 acres in southeast Galt much easier for the property owner.

The resolution passed at the Sept. 15 meeting subdivides two existing parcels into five parcels and changes the zoning on three of those new parcels – amounting to almost 8.78 acres – from Highway Commercial to Commercial zoning. Both Highway Commercial and Commercial allow for similar development, but Commercial allows greater flexibility in these uses as well as some residential development such as mixed use with commercial at ground level and residential above.

The property, known as the Crystal Way Commercial Development Project and owned by Buzz Oates Enterprises II of Sacramento, is at the intersection of Crystal Way, South Carillion Boulevard and the state Highway 99 ramp, with these roads splitting up the current two parcels. It is bordered by the Dry Creek subdivision on the north, Dry Creek Golf Course on the south, Dry Creek tributaries to the east and Highway 99 on the west.

The current eastern parcel is bisected by a gravel road serving a city water well, which under the proposed rezone would become Parcel 3, that is not currently in use. There is also a 6-inch sewer line along the road serving the well.

“The existing site has unique features which has resulted in challenges to development,” Galt Associate Planner Stacy Schafer said. “The existing site is divided by public roadways which do not align with the existing parcel boundaries.”

The three parcels rezoned Commercial are located east of Crystal Way and South Carillion Boulevard between the golf course and the subdivision. Schafer said the proposed changes meet requirements in Galt’s General Plan and were unanimously approved by the city’s Planning Commission at its Aug. 13 meeting.

Highway Commercial allows for medium- to high-density development while Commercial is low- to medium-density development. Both allow businesses such as regional shopping centers, offices, various retail, restaurants, hotels and motels, highway service centers and entertainment establishments.

As an example of the differences, where Highway Commercial would allow only restaurants without a drive-thru, Commercial would allow restaurants with a drive-thru along with other uses such as car washes and convenience stores if those uses receive Conditional Use Permits. Schafer told the council the property owner currently has no plans for development and could sell the property, something made more appealing with the rezone.

“So, some of the nos in Highway Commercial are allowed in Commercial with the Conditional Use Permit,” Councilmember Shawn Farmer said.

Council members were generally supportive of the proposed changes. Mayor Bonnie Rodriguez said she had some concerns about the existing water well and if there were any considerations for using it in the future. Public Works Director Fritz Buchman said he didn’t have much information on the well and would have to research it.

Vice Mayor Tim Reed said right now residents in the area had to go west across Highway 99 or north as far as Twin Cities Road to find commercial uses. The rezone would change that.

“It makes it a little more diverse,” he added.

Also, at the Sept. 15 meeting, council waived the first reading and unanimously approved by title only an ordinance making changes to the city’s municipal code regarding solid waste disposal and processing. The changes bring the city’s codes into compliance with two Assembly bills passed to provide greater flexibility and clarify requirements for solid waste processing originally established under Senate Bill 1383.

According to the staff report, SB 1383 “requires municipalities to sort and divert greater portions of the waste stream, perform organics recycling, procure specified quantities of recycled waste products and implement enforcement policies.”

Buchman said the legislation sets standards for compost and mulch, how these organic products can be produced, the percentage of contaminants allowed and other requirements. 

The proposed ordinance would not increase solid waste collection rates to Galt residents, something Farmer wanted stated clearly.

“If anything, over the long term it could put downward pressure on rates because it’s easier for us to meet our procurement targets,” Buchman added.

A second reading, required before the ordinance amends the municipal code, is scheduled for the Oct. 6 meeting.