Commission clarifies rules for nonaccessory storage structures, removes administrative interpretation step

The County Planning Commission approved a change to the land development code to define "nonaccessory storage structures" and to add them as a permitted use in noncommercial, nonindustrial zones. Jeff Johnson, Community Development Services staff, said the change resolves a long-running ambiguity where property owners with vacant lots and no water could not lawfully build a shop or storage building without seeking an administrative interpretation. He explained the update creates a formal definition and allows such structures in the county's applicable use tables while preserving building-permit and site-review requirements. Staff described the prior workaround: property owners seeking a determination previously filed for an administrative interpretation and paid a review fee. The transcript references two fee figures in discussion ($130 and $830) tied to administrative review; the exact fee structure was not clarified during the hearing. The new approach eliminates the separate interpretation step and its associated delay and fees but retains building-permit review and code enforcement oversight. A motion to recommend approval of the proposed definition and table changes passed by voice vote; the commission indicated approval and the motion carried. The amendment will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final adoption.