Commission denies special use permit for open outdoor storage for roofing business after neighbors raise visibility and buffer concerns

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 denied a special use permit request (File No. 250102) that would have allowed open outdoor storage of construction materials on a narrow parcel in the industrial park adjacent to homes on Michelle Drive.

Sarah (staff member) described the site as a thin sliver of land, largely a creek and stormwater easement, currently owned by the Washington Chamber of Commerce. She said the applicant sought the permit so a purchaser could store construction equipment and leftover siding and roofing material in a fenced area roughly 32 by 60 feet (just under 2,000 square feet). Sarah told commissioners the proposal included a 6-foot chain-link fence with privacy slats, minimal concrete for a driveway and parking pad, and an existing 20-foot buffer between the industrial property and nearby residences.

Don Eamon (applicant representative and father of the applicant) and other supporters said the business—the applicant is Elliot Ehman of Washington Roofing—needed an off-site place to store excess material and pickup trucks. Don Eamon told the commission his son started the business about a year ago and that acquiring a small lot would allow them to keep materials from being stored at customers’ properties.

But several nearby residents urged denial. Kate Montgomery (resident), who lives at 449 Michelle Drive, said her house sits above the drainage ditch and that, in practice, the wooded buffer does not screen the industrial area because the houses sit at higher elevation. She said: “From my swimming pool, I may not be able to see inside a privacy fence. No. Even inside the pool, I might be able to. But from inside my house where our houses all sit, we're gonna be able to see everything inside the fence. Every pile of shingles, every stack of siding.” Gail and Cheryl Spread (residents at 451 Michelle Drive) and Steve Struburg (resident) made similar points about visibility, the loss of trees, and the potential for future owners to use the site differently than the current applicant.

Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives, including locating storage on the opposite side of the road where established industrial uses exist. Sarah said the stormwater easement and creek on the subject parcel limit buildable area, explaining why adjacent parcels on the same side were not available. Neighbors and some commissioners also noted flooding and creek-bank stability concerns and urged that trees in the buffer be preserved.

After public comment, Carolyn (board member) moved to deny the special use permit; a second was recorded. The commission voted to deny File No. 250102. The roll call reflected one recorded opposing vote from Chuck Watson; other present commissioners voted in favor of denial.

The commission's denial means the applicant cannot use that parcel for open outdoor storage unless a revised proposal is submitted and approved at a future meeting. Commissioners asked staff to verify existing special use permits elsewhere in town and to confirm the city’s long-term approach to buffering industrial and residential edges.

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