Applicant seeks special exception to convert Hermit Smith property to industrial outdoor storage

An applicant asked the Development Review Committee (DRC) on Oct. 29 to forward a special-exception request for 85 and 135 Hermit Smith Road to the planning commission to allow industrial outdoor storage.

Jonathan Hules, an attorney for the applicant, told the committee: "What's before you today is a special exception request for ... industrial outdoor storage." He said the site is zoned industrial but currently operates as a nonconforming truck storage and maintenance facility; the new owner proposes to bring the property into compliance with parking, surface and stormwater standards and convert it to industrial outdoor storage.

The DRC chair reiterated that industrial outdoor storage as a principal use requires a special exception before the planning commission and that the commission may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request; denials are appealable to city council.

Staff asked for standard engineering and safety information. Public Works said it will provide specific comments when the applicant submits a formal site plan. Fire staff asked how the site will be supplied with water; applicant engineer TJ Moore of 1820 Engineering said a small modular building on-site "will be running water to, and we're getting the hydroflow test scheduled" when the formal site plan is submitted.

Community Development indicated no further comments at the DRC meeting; staff confirmed the DRC will look for a full construction-site submittal before releasing detailed comments and that the planning commission will be the deciding body on the requested special exception.

Next steps: applicant will submit a formal site plan with required water-flow and stormwater documentation and the DRC will forward the special-exception request and conceptual materials to the planning commission for review.