Fairfield planning commission approves conditional use permit for vehicle storage yard near State Park Cemetery

The Fairfield Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 5 approved a conditional use permit allowing a split 40-by-40-foot vehicle-holding yard to be established in the southwest corner of a parcel near the State Park Cemetery for Stauffer's Road Solutions LLC and Larry's Road Solutions LLC.

The permit was approved with six conditions read into the record by staff: compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations; installation of required screening and fencing under city code; implementation of dust-control measures; hours of operation limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; vehicles must be stored to prevent fluids from leaking onto the ground (on an impervious surface such as concrete or asphalt, or otherwise contained); and no vehicle may be stored more than 90 days. All lighting must be downcast and motion-activated to prevent light pollution.

The applicant told the commission the yard would be used primarily to meet law enforcement rotation requirements for tow yards along SR-73 and that the yard would be split so one side serves Stauffer's towing and the other side Larry's towing. "It's just for us to be on that rotation," the applicant said during the public hearing, describing the proposed 20-by-20 split and saying that long-term storage is not intended. The applicant added that when vehicles leak fluids the company normally places oil-collection pans under the vehicle and moves vehicles rapidly through title/sale processes.

Commissioners questioned screening, containment of leaking fluids and lighting. One commissioner emphasized the town—s outdoor-lighting rules, saying fixtures must be downcast and not point into the roadway or residential areas. Staff said the company typically uses small solar, motion-activated lights and that the containment requirement is intended to limit soil contamination.

A motion to approve the conditional use permit based on the six staff conditions carried. The transcript records affirmative votes for Commissioner Heather (yes), Commissioner David (yes) and Commissioner Wayne (yes); the motion was announced as carried. The record in the meeting packet lists the six conditions; the permit will be issued subject to those conditions and the applicant—s compliance with other applicable regulations.

The commission also noted the need to confirm proper public notice procedures for hearings (300-foot property-owner notice was discussed) and scheduled follow-up meetings to ensure compliance and final site-plan review prior to issuance of any building or operational permits.

No formal appeals or written objections were recorded in the meeting transcript.