Planning commission denies triplex request but approves setback and parking variances for Lyon–Wyeth lot

The St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday denied a request to reestablish a triplex at a corner lot on Wyeth and Fifth streets but granted two variances that would allow a duplex with a reduced setback and limited on‑street parking.

The hearing concerned a remand of appeals for a conditional use permit and four variances for property identified by the county assessor as Lot 0, 9205 W-34 CC (applicant Dan Hatfield; owner: LeGrande Townhomes LLC). The commission’s denial preserved its earlier decision rejecting the triplex density and multifamily standards; commissioners then separately considered and approved a reduced yard setback along Wyeth Street and a parking variance applied to a duplex design, subject to conditions.

The decision follows an earlier denial in December and a council remand asking the commission to consider new information about site circumstances and whether a duplex configuration would change the findings on two remaining variances: the Wyeth setback and off‑street parking. Planning staff described the lot as a long-narrow…