Plan Commission approves outdoor storage area at Avail Switchgear site

On Nov. 4, 2025, the City of Oshkosh Plan Commission voted 8-0 to approve a conditional use permit allowing an outdoor storage area at a 7-acre parcel on the southeast corner of West Fernald Avenue and Progress Drive, used by Avail Switchgear.

Staff told the commission the applicant proposes new pavement and an approximately 4,000-square-foot concrete pad south of the existing parking lot to hold large electrical assemblies awaiting truck pickup. Staff said the area will be used for truck deliveries and temporary outdoor storage and recommended approval, finding the proposed use compatible with surrounding industrial land uses.

City planning staff said code requires outdoor storage to be screened from nonindustrial areas with an 8-foot tall solid fencing or wall; the applicant proposed 8-foot-tall slatted chain-link fencing on the west side to screen the area from the public right-of-way. Staff also noted the code-required additional parking for the outdoor storage; the applicant proposes 16 parking spaces on the north end of the lot to meet the requirement.

Clayton Emmons, who identified himself as an employee of Avail Switchgear, said the company intends to store completed switchgear on concrete temporarily so trucks can pick them up without damaging the asphalt parking lot. "We just wish to use that area for outdoor storage, temporarily waiting for trucks to come pick up the switch gear before they're leaving," Emmons said.

After closing the public hearing with no public opposition, the commission moved to adopt the findings and recommendations in the staff report and approved the conditional use permit by roll-call vote, recorded as 8 ayes, 0 nays. The motion was "to adopt the findings and recommendations as stated in the staff report," and the commission carried the motion, with no additional conditions noted in the record.

Staff had presented the proposal as meeting the municipal parking and screening standards cited in the staff report and recommended approval. The commission’s action approves the outdoor storage as presented in the staff report.