Murrieta OKs New Store With Gas Station; Nixes Carwash, Alcohol Sales

MURRIETA, CA — A development plan for a convenience store and gas station received unanimous approval last month from the Murrieta Planning Commission — but with some modifications.

The development plan for the proposed project on approximately 1.68 acres at Clinton Keith Road and McElwain Road received a green light from the commissioners during the Oct. 26 Planning Commission meeting, but the request to include a 1,295-square-foot drive-thru carwash was denied. Conditional use permits to include alcohol and propane sales at the site were also nixed.

Commissioners also denied the applicant's request to keep the business open 24/7.

Commissioner Jon Levell said a carwash at the site, which abuts the Murrieta Oaks/Antelope Hills residential community, would be too noisy for residents and he didn't approve of alcohol sales so close to a neighborhood. Propane sales at the site would compete with existing businesses in the area, according to Levell.

The commissioner also pushed back on hours of operation and looked to staff to come back with recommendations.

The approved development plan allows for construction of a 3,734-square-foot convenience store and a 3,276-square-foot fueling station with six islands and 12 pumps.

The project applicant is Joseph Karaki.