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Yamhill planning commission continues hearing on unpermitted patio at 360 South Olive to Dec. 15
Summary
The planning commission continued a public hearing on Variance 25-03 for an unpermitted 1,008 sq ft covered patio at 360 South Olive Street and asked the applicant to submit additional written information by Dec. 1 so staff can prepare revised findings for the Dec. 15 meeting.
The City of Yamhill Planning Commission on an evening meeting continued the public hearing on Variance 25-03, a request to legalize a 1,008 square‑foot covered patio attached to an existing storage building at 360 South Olive Street.
Walt, the contract city planner, told commissioners the patio was built without a building permit and that the parcel is zoned R‑3, where storage buildings are permitted only as accessory to a dwelling. Walt said the application did not meet the six statutory variance criteria and that, on balance, he expected to recommend denial unless the commission could establish findings to support approval. "I hate writing denials. Trust me," he said, while also noting he was not aware of neighbor complaints and that reasonable conditions could be considered if findings were provided.
Applicant John Gregor, who identified himself at the hearing, said he purchased the split parcel in 2019, used the structure for storage and built the patio to protect materials from the weather. "I made a mistake," Gregor said, asking for an opportunity to fix the record and preserve the property’s development options so he could eventually build a residence on the lot.
Commissioners asked whether a dwelling ever existed on the lot, whether prior parcel splits explain the nonconforming use, and whether a zoning change (to C‑1 or an RLC designation) would be a viable alternative. Walt advised the commission that the hearing is largely a judicial-style review of evidence under the code and suggested more written background on the site's history would help staff and the commission evaluate the application.
After hearing testimony, a commissioner moved to close the hearing and continue Variance 25-03 to the planning commission’s December 15 meeting at 6:30 p.m., asking the applicant to provide supplemental written materials to staff no later than December 1. The motion was seconded and the commission voted to continue the hearing. The continuance allows staff to prepare a new report taking the applicants’ testimony and any additional documents into account; no final decision was made at the meeting.
Next steps: the applicant must submit the requested documentation by Dec. 1. Staff will prepare a revised staff report for the Dec. 15 meeting, where the commission will resume testimony and consider written findings and a final decision.
