County grants six-month temporary permit for WW Customs after contested hearing

Stevens County commissioners on July 22 voted 4-1 to grant a six-month temporary conditional use permit allowing a satellite vehicle storage area operated by WW Customs, with the board to revisit the matter in six months. The permit covers vehicle and parts storage at a property on Highway 145 that neighbors and business owners said supports regional car-restoration tourism, while other residents called the site a nuisance and urged enforcement of existing zoning and nuisance rules. Teresa Vinson, who identified herself as representing WW Customs, said the business has operated in the county for more than 10 years and asked the board to approve a temporary allowance and revisit the request in July 2026: "We've proudly operated WWW Customs for over 10 years right here in Stevens County. ... I respectfully ask the board to approve the recommended extension of our permit through December 31. I also ask that we revisit the matter in July '26 to reevaluate the situation." (Vinson, public hearing) Several neighbors spoke in opposition. Eric Addison, whose parents live adjacent to the property, told commissioners he sees nonworking vehicles from his parents' front porch and called the site a nuisance, saying in part, "They collect water, which creates flies and mosquitoes. There's places for snakes and rats." (Addison, public hearing) Another resident, Sherry Jeffers, cited county ordinances and state definitions of junkyards and urged that automotive salvage operations belong in properly zoned commercial or industrial areas. She provided screenshots and business-license information and said the county code was designed to "protect against incompatible uses with the land." (Jeffers, public hearing) Planning staff had recommended temporary approval through Dec. 31, 2026, contingent on screening and a permanent plan, but the board's final motion shortened that schedule. The board considered an outright denial but voted it down, then approved a motion to temporarily permit the use for six months and to revisit the item at that time. The board's action included direction that the property owner work toward relocation to a commercially zoned site or otherwise comply with conditions set by the marshal's office. A commissioner who opposed the initial application said the request risked "spot zoning," arguing that a conditional use that effectively permits commercial activity in a residential zone undercuts the county's zoning framework: "I look at every situation ... I could care less if you had a thousand cars out there ... My concern is for the spot zoning that it would create from a commercial use," the commissioner said during deliberations. (Commissioner, meeting discussion) Supporters of WW Customs — including nearby business owners — said the operation is maintained and generates local economic activity through visitors, restoration work and parts sales. Gary Bates, who said his business adjoins WW Customs, told commissioners the property is kept "really, really clean" and that classic-car enthusiasts visit and spend locally. (Bates, public hearing) The board's action is limited to a time-bound conditional use; it does not rezone the property. Commissioners instructed staff and the marshal to monitor compliance and scheduled a formal review when the item returns to the board in six months. Why this matters: The decision balances competing priorities the board described — protecting residential zoning and property values while recognizing an operating small business that seeks time to relocate. The outcome sets an explicit, short-term timeline and directs follow-up by county staff. What happens next: The permit is temporary; the property owner must either relocate storage to a properly zoned commercial site or pursue additional entitlements before the six-month review. The board will revisit the item at that time and may take further enforcement or permitting action.