Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Hydraulic Repair topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission recommends code change to allow bench hydraulic repairs in RC zone
Summary
The Springville Planning Commission on Sept. 24 recommended a zoning-code amendment to allow 'hydraulic repair minor' (bench repairs) as a permitted use in the RC zone for Wasatch Machine Hydraulics, adding limits including a 44-foot fully extended component length and a prohibition on manufacturing or on-site storage of primary machinery.
The Springville Planning Commission voted Sept. 24 to recommend a code amendment that would allow bench hydraulic repairs as a permitted use in the RC (regional commercial) zone for Wasatch Machine Hydraulics.
Planner staff introduced the petition by owner Blake Weldon, proposing a new definition for “hydraulic repair” rather than expanding the existing auto-repair minor category. Staff said the proposal would permit only bench repairs of hydraulic components removed from primary machinery, ban on-site manufacturing of hydraulic components and prohibit storage of primary machinery on the property. "Minor is basically getting your oil changed... very basic level repairs," the planner said while explaining the distinction between minor and major auto repair in the code.
Why it matters: the change would let the business continue operating in its current RC location while seeking to limit impacts on surrounding properties. Staff emphasized the definition is narrow to keep uses compatible with the RC zone.
Commissioners pressed for precise limits to prevent scope creep. Commissioner S6 raised concerns that bringing large equipment in on a flatbed, removing components, then taking the primary machinery away could be framed as non-storage and might disrupt other RC uses; staff and commissioners discussed language to bar outdoor work and to require bench-contained repairs. The motion adopted by the commission required retitling the use as “hydraulic repair minor,” inserting the word “bench” to describe the repairs, limiting hydraulic components when disassembled to 44 feet fully extended, prohibiting storage of primary machinery on site, and explicitly excluding manufacturing from the definition.
Blake Weldon, the applicant, described his operation: "Everything's contained onto a 4 by 8 workbench," and said he uses mobile mechanics to remove components and bring them to his bench for repair. He told commissioners he does not store large machinery on site.
No members of the public testified at the legislative public hearing. The commission voted in favor of the recommendation and directed staff to draft the final ordinance language reflecting the bench-repair limitation and the 44-foot cap. The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
