Universal Concrete waiver for storage yard and design review approved with staff conditions

The Sunrise Manor Town Advisory Board on Feb. 27 approved a waiver of development standards and a design review for Universal Concrete Inc. (WS250024) at 3032 Ringe Lane, authorizing storage buildings and continued use of an outside yard in an IL (Industrial Light) zoning area. The application reinstated waivers last recorded in 1999 and addressed off-site improvements and driveway width.

Denise Villafana, representing Universal Concrete, said the family-owned company purchased the property in January 2016 and has used it for equipment parking, materials storage (rebar and construction supplies) and company vehicle staging. She told the board the business has not had encampment problems on the property in the nearly ten years they have used it but that they installed a corrugated security fence after a theft and were prepared to work with staff on code compliance.

Neighbors and adjacent property owners spoke in support, noting the applicant has kept the yard secured and has worked with neighbors to reduce trespassing problems nearby. The board and staff discussed a request to reduce the central driveway width to 20 feet where 32 feet is normally required; public-works staff concerns about vehicle turning radii and queuing were noted. The applicant said vehicular movements are limited and the property is used primarily for storage rather than public access.

Following discussion the board voted to approve the waivers and design-review items with the staff 'if approved' conditions included in the staff packet. The applicant was advised to continue coordination with county staff and to engage with the Special Improvement District process for future street, curb and gutter improvements in the area.