Commission approves special use permit for outdoor storage in Virginia City with screening, dust controls and staff flexibility
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Summary
The Board approved SUP 2025‑038 to allow outdoor storage of building materials, vehicles and heavy equipment at 6556 6 Mile Canyon Road with conditions addressing screening, dust control, parking, and coordination with Public Works and the Comstock Historic District; commissioners asked staff to apply screening requirements reasonably.
The Board of County Commissioners approved Special Use Permit (SUP) 2025‑038 to allow outdoor storage of building materials, vehicles, trailers and heavy equipment in the commercial‑residential zone at 6556 6 Mile Canyon Road (APN 001‑311‑02) in Virginia City.
Planning staff presented the project and summarized a July 17 Planning Commission recommendation (5–1) in favor of approval. Staff and the Planning Commission described conditions to address public‑right‑of‑way impacts, parking and storage siting, screening from public rights of way, public‑safety compliance for vehicles using county roads, dust control measures and required business licensing. Planning staff said questions about parcel boundary and surface‑rights had been resolved with the assessor.
A nearby resident had voiced concerns at the Planning Commission about visual impacts, dust and noise. Commissioners discussed the practicality and cost of full visual screening given topography and steep sight lines into the lot. Commissioner Mitchell moved to approve the SUP “in accordance with the recommendation by the Planning Commission and staff” and added direction to staff to apply the screening condition with “reasonable standards” and to work with the applicant to strike a balance between mitigating visual impacts and avoiding disproportionate cost.
Planning Director Kathy Camp explained that screening requirements were intended to limit visual and dust impacts where the site was visible from public rights of way and to clearly delineate the storage area so the use would not expand without review. Staff will consult with the Comstock Historic District regarding fencing/screening materials and with Public Works about driveway culvert sizing and drainage.
Ending: The permit was approved by unanimous vote; staff will apply the SUP conditions while coordinating with the applicant, Public Works and the Comstock Historic District to ensure screening and dust‑control measures are proportionate and effective.