The storms from a few months ago played a role in the delay of the Ripon Parallel Self-Storage Project plans.

Rick Mummert of Benchmark Engineering, Inc. – he represented the applicant of the project, JKB Living – mentioned that at May 15 Ripon Planning Commission meeting.

This is the same project approved back in July 2021.

The 48,950 square foot self-storage facility would be on two parcels totaling 3.24 acres at 700 S. Parallel Ave., southeast of Highway 99 near the Stanislaus River bike bridge.

Needed was a one-year extension for the Major Site Plan Permit.

Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart noted that the applicant had been working diligently through the conditions of approval for the project, including some substantial off-site improvements such as relocating overhead utilities to underground. The design work here had to be delayed.

“The actual construction of the project had not yet commenced and the developer was in jeopardy of losing entitlements for the project due to permit expiration limits within the Ripon Municipal Code,” he said.

Zuidervaart added: “The Code does allow for a one-year time does allow for a one-year extension upon approval by the Planning Commission.”

Benchmark Engineering ion on the project that was initially approved in July 2021.

Commissioners approved the one-year extension.

“Employees of PG&E were continuously pulled away from the project due to needed disaster assistance with the storms throughout California,” said Mummert. “They were also working closely with the City Engineering Department to complete their easement requirements and off-site improvements listed in the Project Improvement Agreement.”