Planning commission denies triplex, approves setback and parking variances for Wyeth Street property

The St. Helens Planning Commission denied a conditional‑use permit and density variance for a proposed triplex on a lot at Fifth and Wyeth and approved two narrower variances that would let the applicant, Dan Hatfield, use the existing foundation to build a duplex.

The commission’s action follows a remand by the City Council for the commission to consider new information about a reduced yard (setback) along Wyeth and off‑street parking after the earlier application and hearing had sought a triplex and related variances.

Planning staff Jacob Tumteh told commissioners the record would be limited to plans presented and said the recommended conditions would require that any approved variances “shall apply to the plans presented and not other plans,” but that the plans could be modified to a duplex “as long as the building footprint does not change.” He also listed other conditions staff proposed, including rebuilding the…