Commission approves five‑year contractor’s yard on Victory Road with dust‑mitigation, screening conditions

The Ada County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved a conditional use and master site plan that allows Evolution Landscape to operate a contractor’s yard on a five‑acre rural‑urban transition property at 3590 West Victory Road, subject to two additional conditions addressing dust mitigation and screening.

Amelia Haynes, Ada County planning staff, presented project number 202500780‑CU‑MSP‑V and explained the proposal to convert an existing dwelling and accessory structure into office and storage space and to use parts of the site for equipment and material storage. The property is in the RUT district and, under county rules for such districts, the use would be allowed for five years or until annexation by a city. Staff said the business would employ 28 people total, with a maximum of 26 at the largest shift, and recommended approval with standard conditions and two additional requirements: (1) a dust‑mitigation plan for construction and operation and (2) a revised landscaping plan showing screening from adjacent properties.

Agency comments included ACHD requests to dedicate right of way and manage driveway access, the Ada County building official’s reminder that building permits will be required for change of occupancy, and Ada County engineering’s requirement for a drainage application. Central District Health noted active groundwater monitoring at the site through October and said sanitary restrictions could be revisited after monitoring. The Boise Fire Department required either a hydrant/turnaround or an approved alternative such as sprinklers; staff said the applicant is negotiating alternatives with the fire district.

Neighbors and nearby residents raised concerns at the hearing about dust from existing debris piles, possible contamination of irrigation and well water, increased traffic and noise, and impacts on livestock and property values. Rick Ruppel (4020 W. Victory) told the board he was concerned about traffic and potential chemical runoff into irrigation ditches used by neighbors; Lindsay Ronnau (2769 Nova Lane) said her wellhead is near the shared property corner and expressed opposition to a commercial use in the area. Greg Ohoysky, a neighboring property owner, said the main concerns were dust and privacy; he said the applicant has been responsive to requests for screening.

Applicant Dennis “Mike” Baker described ongoing cleanup of debris on the property, said he is creating berms and planting trees for screening, and told the board, “I don't store much chemical at all.” He described proposed hours of operation as 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays with occasional Saturday mornings, said most vehicles are pickups and crew trailers with occasional small delivery trucks, and confirmed he would seek to avoid paving during the five‑year period in favor of lower‑impact surfacing.

Following discussion, a commissioner moved to approve application 202500780‑CU‑MSP‑V with the staff‑recommended conditions plus the two additional conditions requiring a dust mitigation plan and a revised landscaping plan to provide screening. Another commissioner seconded the motion. The board voted in favor and the motion carried. Staff will add the conditions to the findings of fact and conclusions of law and the planning record.