St. Charles County Council opens public hearing on Orchard Farm outdoor storage permit; final vote set for next meeting

The St. Charles County Council on Oct. 14 opened a public hearing on Bill 54‑30, an ordinance requesting a conditional use permit (CUP 25‑03) to allow outdoor storage of trailers, recreational vehicles and boats at an Orchard Farm property owned by Jerry and Kim Lindeman. The bill was introduced by request of Michael Harber and sponsored by Councilwoman Patty York.

Robert Myers, Planning and Zoning Division director for St. Charles County, told the council the subject parcel is in an I‑1 (light industrial) zoning district, measures a little less than 5 acres, and abuts industrial and commercial parcels with a single residence to the north. Myers said the county previously approved a substantially similar CUP in 2019 but the permit lapsed before required improvements were completed; Planning and Zoning held a public hearing on Sept. 17 and recommended approval with conditions under county code section 405.51(b).

Cliff Heitman, president of Backs Engineering Company, representing the applicant, said the owner began construction under the earlier approval and obtained necessary permits, including MoDOT entrance approvals and DNR permits. Heitman said the owner has completed much of the work (about 80–90 percent, as reported at the Planning & Zoning hearing) and is seeking an extension to finish site improvements consistent with the previously approved plans.

Arnie C. A. Deanoff, county public advocate, spoke in favor of the application but urged additional conditions before final action. Deanoff requested: a higher type‑3 landscape buffer adjacent to the residence to reduce visual impact and protect property values; clarity and enforcement of dust control and pavement type (concrete/blacktop versus gravel); a site‑proof fence; prohibitions on storage of hazardous materials and fireworks; limits on vehicle repair (allow short owner maintenance only, no repair‑shop operations); and a prohibition on derelict vehicles remaining more than 30 days or vehicles with expired Missouri plates. He also noted updated state and DNR stormwater requirements relevant to floodplain and discharge concerns.

Council members asked staff about sight distance and the guardrail on Highway 94; staff said MoDOT reviewed the location and that Orchard Farm Fire District adjacency had been considered. The council closed the CUP public hearing and the chair said the item will return for final passage at the next council meeting.

No final council vote on the CUP was recorded at this meeting; the public hearing record was completed and the matter was scheduled for final action at the next regular meeting.