The Chino Valley Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 4, 2025 voted to forward a recommendation to approve conditional use permit CUP2025-04, allowing a contractor's yard and occasional outdoor equipment storage at 2995 North State Route 89.

Jessica Barican, senior planner for the Town of Chino Valley, told the commission the property is zoned Commercial Light (CL) and is most notably the former Schwab's Delivery Service center. She said the applicant proposes to use the existing 4,200-square-foot building for office and dispatch functions and to store equipment associated with vegetation, wildlife and fuel-management services.

"The primary function of the business consists of forest, wildlife, vegetation, and fuel management services with an office and dispatch center," Barican said. She said indoor storage is preferred and that any outdoor equipment would be screened under the town's Unified Development Ordinance and set back more than 35 feet from the edge of pavement.

Staff described site plans that show equipment parking along the southern boundary, installation of privacy slats on the existing chain-link fence along the north and west property lines, and compliance with the town's fencing standard requiring screening at a minimum of 6 feet in height. The applicant also committed to provide a lighting plan consistent with the town's dark-sky goals if exterior lighting is altered.

Barican told commissioners the narrative submitted with the application lists three pieces of equipment that may occasionally be stored outdoors, and that the business would operate primarily between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. She said a neighborhood meeting held Oct. 1 drew no attendees and that staff does not anticipate significant adverse impacts if conditions in the staff report are adopted.

The public portion for the item drew no speakers. A motion to approve the CUP "as presented, subject to the staff report and the conditions of approval in Attachment A" was made and seconded; the commission approved the motion by voice vote and the chair declared it carried unanimously.

The permit will be forwarded to the Town Council with the commission's recommendation and the conditions described in the staff report.