The Wheat Ridge Planning Commission on Oct. 16 approved, by a 7–0 vote, case WZ2411, a phased specific development plan (SDP) that allows Rocky Mountain Hardwood Processing to use a 3.5‑acre site at 4877 Robb Street for outdoor storage and operations now and construct a 5,040‑square‑foot office/warehouse in a later phase.

Staff said the phased approach will allow the applicant to begin on‑site work and outdoor operations while deferring major building and utility connections until the owner secures funding. Stephanie Stevens, planner with the Wheat Ridge Community Development Department, told commissioners the request narrows the staff review to the phasing plan; the underlying outline development plan (ODP) was previously approved in February 2022 and the SDP had been reviewed under case WZ2207 with the phasing as the new element.

The commission’s approval includes conditions listed in the staff report. Key requirements include recording the associated subdivision plat (MS2303) before the SDP, executing a subdivision improvement agreement to secure public improvements, submitting civil construction drawings and permits before construction, and returning to the commission if the phasing or deadlines change. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Busnay and seconded; the motion passed 7–0.

Site and phasing details documented in staff materials: the property comprises two unplatted parcels being combined into one roughly 3.5‑acre lot on the west side of Robb Street between I‑70 Frontage Road North and 50th Avenue. Both the Wadsworth and Swaddly ditches cross the site; Wadsworth was piped in 2023 and the Swaddly Ditch will remain open. The applicant proposed two phases: phase 1 to be completed by Dec. 2027 and phase 2 by Dec. 2030. Phase 1 includes Robb Street frontage improvements (curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lighting), an on‑site detention pond, a small paved parking lot at the north access, gravel access drives, interim landscaping (manually watered), a dumpster enclosure, a bike rack, and perimeter screening fences (a 4‑foot fence along Robb Street, 6‑foot fences along the north and south property lines). Phase 2 includes construction of the previously approved 5,040‑square‑foot office/warehouse, additional parking and landscaping, and full utility connections the applicant is requesting to defer until the building is constructed.

Stevens told commissioners staff considers the deferral of water and sewer service acceptable because building and fire codes typically trigger utility requirements when a building is constructed. The SDP shows outdoor storage located more than 200 feet from Robb Street and more than 100 feet from the single‑unit residence north of the site; staff noted screening and buffers to limit visibility from adjacent properties. The SDP also provides full detention in the initial phase, with final detention to be located behind the building once constructed.

Commission discussion focused on operational impacts in the interim phase. Commissioner questions included noise and fire risk from on‑site processing and storage of firewood. Owner Sean Imfeld said the business has operated on the site for about two years and has had only one neighbor complaint related to a chainsaw muffler; he said, “we've been super conscientious about when we work there,” and that the building in phase 2 would reduce noise compared with current operations. Imfeld said firewood and log storage are the primary interim uses and noted an existing fire hydrant in front of the property when asked about fire response.

The approval is conditioned on several development controls and procedural steps, including the requirement that any development not shown on the SDP, or any SDP modification, will require an amendment consistent with Section 26‑3‑07 of the Municipal Code; building permits must be consistent with the SDP; and any changes to phasing or deadlines require a new application and reapproval by the Planning Commission. The subdivision improvement agreement associated with public improvements will obligate the developer to meet the timelines or to return to the city for enforcement or amendment.