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Washington County denies Realtree Specialists' request for tree-service yard after lengthy public hearing
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment, the Board of Supervisors denied a special-exception permit requested by Realtree Specialists (Brian Mach) to operate a tree-service yard at 23275 Clayman Valley Road, citing resident safety and noise concerns and the planning commission's split recommendation.
Washington County supervisors on Tuesday denied a request from Realtree Specialists, a locally based tree-service firm, to operate a tree-service yard and workshop on about 5.37 acres at 23275 Clayman Valley Road.
Planner Steve Richardson summarized the application, saying the company would park trucks, stage crews in the morning and return in the evening, and would not plan to run a permanent sawmill on site. Richardson also noted the planning commission split 2-2 and made no formal recommendation. "They have about 10 employees and they work throughout the county," Richardson said during his presentation.
Applicant Brian Mach, identified in the record as owner-operator of Realtree Specialists, told the board the business primarily does residential and commercial tree removal and trimming and that crews meet in the morning and leave for jobs. "We're a tree service company that removes and trims trees in the county for residential and commercial properties," Mach said, adding that the property's large covered storage and workshop space made it a practical base.
Dozens of neighbors opposed the request. Longtime resident Marie Desroy told the board Clayman Valley Road is "a one-mile road, one way in, one way out," and warned that larger trucks and daily industrial traffic would endanger emergency response and residents. "If there's a fire there, there's gonna be problems," Desroy said, describing narrow pavement, limited hydrants and long emergency response times.
Other opponents raised similar concerns about noise, dust and safety for school buses and pedestrians. Chad Braswell, who owns nearby rental units, described the potential trucks as far heavier than delivery vans commonly seen on the road and warned that noise would "bounce off the cliff" and reverberate through the neighborhood.
Supporters of the applicant argued the site had a history of commercial use and that keeping the business in-county would support local jobs and the tax base. Christopher Thurston, a business owner, said he saw the property as underused and urged the board to allow the business to stay in Washington County.
Supervisor Paul Hernandez moved to deny the special-exception request. "I'm going to make a motion that we deny this request," Hernandez said, noting constituent concerns and the planning commission's split vote. The motion was seconded and the board voted to deny the permit by unanimous roll call.
What happens next: the county record shows the board denied the request; applicants may pursue other land-use options, withdraw the application or return with a revised proposal. The planning packet included site photos and a written statement that the applicant would not operate a permanent sawmill on the property.
