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Council approves 3‑year interim use permit for exterior storage at former mill
Summary
Council approved a three‑year interim use permit allowing screened exterior storage of vehicles, RVs and some railcars in a 28,000 sq ft area of the former mill, with 17 conditions including an 8‑ft opaque screen and the city's ability to invoice for roadway damage.
The New Prague City Council approved Interim Use Permit No. 24‑10‑07‑03 to allow exterior storage in a covered rail‑spur area of the former mill property for up to three years, subject to conditions adopted from the Planning Commission.
Planning staff described the site as roughly 28,000 square feet between two main portions of the building and said the Planning Commission recommended approval 3‑0 with conditions to screen and secure the area. Staff explained the permit would allow vehicles and recreational equipment — and in some screened locations railcars — to be stored behind an 8‑foot fence and that screening must provide roughly 80% opacity year‑round as a condition of the permit.
Bill Gibson, a listed owner of the mill, told the council the owners have invested about $750,000 to date and said the interim storage would help generate revenue while they continue to pursue longer‑term redevelopment plans for the property. “We've put in about $750,000 into the mill so far with not a lot of return,” Gibson said, describing incremental improvements including ADA bathrooms and ramps.
Council discussed the appropriate term for a temporary permit; staff and Planning Commission recommended three years with the ability to revisit or rescind the permit if conditions are violated. The council approved the permit by voice vote; staff noted that any extension would require returning to the council.
What’s next: permit conditions include screening, maintenance requirements, and a clause allowing the city to invoice the property owner for roadway repairs if heavy equipment damages the public road. The permit expires on Oct. 7, 2027, unless the council approves an extension.
