Commission recommends five-year, renewable special-use permit for Tri-Hole Crane Rental despite staff's denial recommendation
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Summary
Planning staff recommended denial of a contractor's yard SUP (DEV-25-137) for Tri-Hole Crane Rental citing incompatibility with residential zoning and traffic/storage concerns, but the commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval for a five-year renewable term and forwarded the item to the BOCC.
The Leavenworth County Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of a special-use permit for a contractor's yard (Tri-Hole Crane Rental, case DEV-25-137) with a five-year renewable term, despite planning staff's recommendation of denial.
Staff presented the case for a site at 24838 Loring Road and described the proposed operation as a crane-rental business with five employees and occasional deliveries. Staff concluded that several of the county's "golden factors" were not met: surrounding properties are zoned RR-5 for residential/agricultural uses, the quasi-industrial nature of outdoor equipment storage is not compatible with nearby parcels, and traffic from large cranes could strain gravel local roads and existing culvert/bridge structures. Public Works recommended a drainage/structure assessment by a licensed engineer as a condition if the commission were to recommend approval.
Applicant Dustin Hall said his business has operated on the site, provides community support and that he has not received neighbor complaints; he said moving to an industrial park would be a significant cost burden. Neighbors spoke both in favor and opposition; one neighbor (James Tingle) said he had no problems with the operation and had not been bothered by noise.
Commissioners debated the term length and the prior permit language that had included a "nonrenewable" provision; multiple commissioners expressed sympathy for the applicant's position while also noting compatibility concerns. After discussion the commission moved to recommend approval with a five-year renewable term (motion language amended to permit reapplication for a new SUP after the term ends). The roll-call vote was 7-0 in favor. The Board of County Commissioners will consider this recommendation no earlier than Feb. 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Staff will prepare conditions including a drainage/culvert assessment and traffic-route restrictions (for example, prohibiting eastbound travel on Loring Road onto unsuitable routes) for BOCC consideration.