Planning commission approves Avid Corporation expansion, live‑work unit at 222 East Baker Street

The Laramie Planning Commission on Aug. 15 unanimously approved a conditional‑use permit allowing Avid Corporation to expand its machining and light manufacturing operations and establish a dwelling live‑work unit at 222 East Baker Street.

The permit, labeled CUP250006 in staff materials, authorizes a roughly 5,000‑square‑foot addition to the existing building, continued internal machining and processing with enclosed CNC equipment, and conversion of the western loading‑dock structure to a live‑work dwelling, provided the applicant meets staff’s recommended conditions.

Planning staff presented the application, describing the site as a former ARC recycling facility split between B‑2 and C‑2 zoning. Staff recommended approval after reviewing site layout, noise and screening measures, parking, and utility access. “Staff does recommend approval of the conditional use as provided, and subject to the conditions that we have associated within the staff report,” Planning staff member Derek said during the meeting.

According to staff and the applicant, the business operates 22 CNC machines on site. Jared Gustav Anderson, identified as Avid Corporation’s director of operations, told the commission the operation is constrained by machine capacity rather than labor: “We currently have 22 CNC machines.…