Tulare County planning commission pauses special-use permit for Strathmore contractor yard after neighbors cite noise, lighting and runoff

The Tulare County Planning Commission on Wednesday referred consideration of Special Use Permit PSP25-045 — a proposed contractor storage yard at 23205 Avenue 192 in Strathmore — back to county staff for further study after multiple neighbors raised complaints about noise, overnight truck activity, bright lighting and stormwater runoff.

Roxanna Brand, a planner with the county Resource Management Agency, told commissioners the applicant, Steve Alvarado, seeks to legalize use of a 1.7-acre property inside the Strathmore urban development boundary to store vehicles for a family-operated transportation business. Brand said the proposal would allow parking for three semi trucks, seven trailers and one pickup and would typically operate Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with seasonal flexibility and occasional weekend truck washing.

The item drew multiple public speakers who said actual operations have extended beyond the hours described in the application. “They’re out there till 09:00. They got compressors going, generators, power washers, and…