Planning commission approves conditional use permit for 2,560-sq.-ft. accessory garage despite neighbor objections

The Oakley Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a conditional use permit for a 2,560-square-foot accessory building at 5645 North Star Lane after a public hearing in which adjacent property owners objected to the building's size and raised concerns that it could later be used for commercial activities.

The commission's action follows testimony by city staff explaining that Oakley City Code 13-4-19 requires a conditional use permit for accessory buildings larger than 2,000 square feet. Staff said the garage would be 80 by 32 feet and "just over 19 feet" tall, and that required setbacks had been met. Commissioner-level discussion focused on site access, utilities and whether the structure would include plumbing or living space.

City planning staff member Doug said, "It's 2,560 square feet. It's an 80 by 32 foot garage. The height is just over 19 feet," and confirmed the structure would have no plumbing and no living space. He also said the lot is just over 5 acres and that the building would be set back about 60 to 68 feet from neighboring property lines.

Several neighbors testified in opposition during the public hearing. A neighbor who said she lives next door stated she had been told previously the site would become "a commercial dog training facility," and asked, "Is it going to be a dog training facility?" Rainey Miller, who said she lives on the north side of the parcel, asked for clarification about where vehicles would access the building, and said lighting and the structure's proximity to the shared fence line were concerns. Steve Meeley, who identified himself as a nearby resident, said, "I think it's commercial, and I'm strongly, strongly against it."

Staff and commission members clarified that the current application is for a private accessory building only and that a commercial use such as a dog training/boarding facility would require a different permit and a separate public hearing. The planner noted "that type of activity would require another permit" and is not an allowed use under the current application.

After public comment and questions about fire protection and water availability, a commissioner moved to approve the conditional use permit to exceed the 2,000-square-foot threshold. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The approval is limited to the building dimensions and stated uses in the application: a private garage/workshop without plumbing or living quarters, with electrical service only, subject to the city's standard permitting and building code review. Staff said public works will review the property's water service and meter configuration to ensure adequate capacity if future construction on the lot occurs.

Neighbors were told that a future change to the building's use — for example, operating a commercial dog training or boarding business — would require a separate application and review. The commission's approval does not authorize commercial activity.

The file will proceed to the required administrative permitting steps. Any future change of use or addition that deviates from the approved site plan will be subject to additional review and potential public hearings.

Votes at a glance: The commission approved the conditional use permit for the accessory building at 5645 North Star Lane (2,560 square feet). The motion passed on a voice vote recorded as in favor; no formal roll call with named votes was recorded in the public transcript.