The 1,500-square-foot increase, which brings the total size of the store to 135,754 square feet, was approved by the Planning Commission as a means to mitigate potential noise pollution generated by the store. In an attempt to move the store's compressors farther away from nearby homes, Wal-Mart reconfigured the store's layout and increased the size slightly.

"Moving those compressors away from the homes is a huge win because that's been the big concern with the noise," said Cedar Hills City Councilman Jim Perry. "I think it's a really great change, and Wal-Mart didn't have to do that. They already had preliminary approval on their existing plan and they stepped it up and suggested a proactive change."

The Wal-Mart in Saratoga Springs is approved to be open 24 hours a day and sell beer on the premises, but hours of operation and alcohol sales are still to be decided for the store in Cedar Hills.

The city doesn't have any laws in place that limit the store's hours of operation, but a conditional-use permit can implement some restrictions.

"Nothing is allowed unless we specifically grant it," Perry said. "The truth is, everything is prohibited unless you get a special permit. ... I would expect that Wal-Mart would fully be anticipating having that conversation and discussing those issues with the City Council as part of the conditional-use process."

The Cedar Hills City Council is expected to discuss the conditional-use permit for Wal-Mart on May 15 at 7 p.m. at 3925 W. Cedar Hills Drive.

Proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter store locations

• Cedar Hills: 4800 West and Cedar Hills Drive

• Saratoga Springs: the corner of Redwood Road and state Route 73

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E-mail: achoate@desnews.com