Albany County planning commissioners on Oct. 8 recommended approval of a conditional use permit (CU-03-25) allowing Truckster LLC to store and rent construction equipment on an existing commercial property north of Laramie.

Planning staff found the proposed use consistent with surrounding commercial and industrial activity and recommended approval after review of a site plan and agency comments. Staff noted access is available from North Third Street and PFE Road and that typical agency reviews were returned with standard conditions.

Commission discussion focused on an advisory from the Laramie River Conservation District and the county's environmental review about potential spread of invasive, non-native plant species by construction equipment. Commissioner Ben David asked whether the conservation district request — that equipment be cleaned before being brought on-site — could be enforced as a permit condition. Planning staff said such a requirement could be added to address environmental impacts and could be enforced in response to complaints.

Applicant representative Marty Neal said his company already washes equipment at most sites and would work with the landowner to add an on-site wash area if the commission made that a condition.

The commission's motion to recommend approval included staff findings and was seconded and approved unanimously; commissioners and staff agreed to add a condition encouraging equipment cleaning and monitoring for noxious weeds as part of the permit.

The recommendation and the proposed condition will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action on CU-03-25.