Commissioners approve several variances, rezoning and permits in consolidated land-use actions

Stevens County commissioners approved a package of land-use items following a public hearing on July 22, including a permit for show stock, two property-variance requests, a rezoning for residential use and a conditional-use permit for a self-storage facility. Dana Horton received a conditional use permit to keep show stock (pigs) at her home at 692 Crawford Circle; the board approved the permit after the public hearing. Horton said the animals "have been in our property since early May" and that neighbors support the children's activities and that manure is hauled weekly. (Dana Horton, public hearing) A variance request from Richard Abbott, 1243 Ridgemore Drive, asking for a 9-foot variance to permit a 1-foot left-side yard setback for a garage, was approved. Abbott said he had spoken with the adjoining property owner and agreed to keep foundations and eaves within the proposed setback. The board approved the variance by a recorded majority. (Richard Abbott, public hearing) A variance to allow a second principal use on property under two acres, requested by Karen Holcomb, was approved after the applicant's representative said neighbors had no objections. (Arlen Holcomb, public hearing) Verbena Roots Properties Inc. requested rezoning for parcels on Memorial Drive and Meadowbrook Drive from agricultural residential to residential single; planning staff recommended approval and the board approved the rezoning. Proponents cited soil testing and options for subdividing the property. (Hugh Champion, public hearing) Champion Legacy Resources LLC received a conditional use permit to operate a self-storage facility on a commercially zoned parcel on Highway 17; the planning commission recommended approval and the board approved the request. The applicant said the site is adjacent to the applicant’s office and that various plans had been considered before settling on storage. (Champion representative, public hearing) Why this matters: The approvals advance individual land-use plans and reflect the board’s continued management of zoning, variances and conditional uses. Some items raised neighborhood concerns; others were supported by adjacent property owners and planning staff recommendations. What happens next: Each approval is subject to conditions set by planning staff as required by county code; projects that require permits or building inspections will proceed through standard permitting and enforcement channels.