Madras, Ore. — The Madras Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit Wednesday allowing Redline Towing to store vehicles outdoors at 1630 Northwest Westcott Street, after hearing testimony both for and against the proposal.

Staff told the commission Redline Towing’s primary uses — business office and vehicle maintenance — are permitted in the industrial zoning, but outdoor vehicle storage requires a conditional use permit. The application (file CU25‑2) was filed Feb. 5; notices were mailed Feb. 12 and the public notice ran Feb. 19. Jefferson County Fire and EMS requested maintained emergency vehicle access around the storage area and notification of gate lock types; staff recommended approval with standard conditions including screening, lighting, noise compliance and maintenance of a city business license and Department of Motor Vehicles tow certifications.

Applicant Andrew Hurley told the commission the fenced storage would secure vehicles pending insurance or law‑enforcement pickup. He said vehicles typically remain on-site seven to 10 days and that the company plans to install a chain-link and barbed-wire fence, a double 14‑foot gate, and solar security lighting. Hurley said securing the lot would allow Redline to pursue rotation agreements with law enforcement and better serve local needs.

Clifford Reynolds, who identified himself as a nearby resident, testified in opposition and urged denial or at minimum proof of full regulatory compliance before approval. Reynolds said the applicant has a “history of violating state rules and regulations” and raised concerns about whether the business could maintain required licensing, bonding and DMV certifications. He also argued the applicant failed to submit a burden-of-proof document the commenter expected.

The applicant provided rebuttal testimony, saying past disputes with the commenter were personal and not evidence of ongoing regulatory noncompliance. He said the business carries insurance for its trucks, has hired staff and a full‑time manager, and that staff had provisionally signed off on a city business license to allow the applicant to pursue state DMV certification. Planning staff explained the city’s process: business-licensing decisions are separate from land-use approvals, staff may sign off to allow businesses to pursue state licensure, and code enforcement or license revocation remain available enforcement tools if conditions are violated.

After deliberation, the commission voted to approve CU25‑2 with the usual conditions: compliance with Jefferson County Fire and EMS access and Knox‑box requirements, screening around outdoor storage, adherence to outdoor lighting and noise standards, and maintenance of required business licensing and DMV tow certificates. Commissioners discussed enforcement options and staff said violations would be handled under the municipal code’s nuisance and enforcement provisions and could proceed to a hearings officer if corrective action or fines are needed.

The commission closed the hearing and issued the decision at the meeting; staff listed follow-up steps to verify required screening, locks and lighting.