Applicant seeks 1,500-square-foot auto-repair building; staff list permit, stormwater and fire requirements

A representative for an existing commercial site told the Benton County Development Review Committee on Jan. 28 that the property owner plans a 1,500-square-foot building intended for auto repair to serve an existing tenant.

The applicant described the work as a small administrative amendment within the 10% threshold and said the additional building would meet setbacks. "We're gonna add 1 small additional building at 1,500 square feet," the applicant said.

Why it matters: county staff said the project is small enough to avoid full Planning Board review as a standalone planning case but still triggers building-safety, addressing and stormwater checks before permits are issued.

County fire marshal Lonnie reviewed access and hydrant proximity and said the apparatus must be able to circumnavigate the building. "As long as the fire trucks can get around all sides of it, there's a hydrant close," Lonnie said, and noted typical life-safety items such as exits and portable fire extinguishers must be shown in the fire-and-life-safety plan.

Amanda in building safety listed the items the applicant must submit for a commercial permit: stamped architectural plans; stamped mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) plans; a state plumbing letter; septic approval; and a fire life-safety plan. "We'll need stamped architectural plans and stamped plans for the MEP, the state plumbing letter, septic approval, and the fire safety plan," Amanda said.

Dakota, the county's 911/GIS administrator, advised that the new auto-repair building should receive its own address so emergency dispatch can distinguish among four structures on the parcel; staff proposed 13108 for the new building. "So it looks like we've given addresses to the larger structure and then the 2 other smaller structures on the southern portion... This one's gonna be 13108," Dakota said.

Planning staff reminded the applicant that the parcel lies in an MS4-designated area and that a stormwater permit will be required. The applicant estimated the proposed additional impervious area is about 1.4% of the site. Staff also summarized setback requirements: 65 feet from the highway and 10 feet on other lot lines, with 20-foot buffering where appropriate.

Next steps: staff told the applicant to submit the listed permit materials and consult directly with Amanda and Lonnie at the county counter for outstanding technical items. No vote or formal decision was made during the DRC meeting; staff described the review items the applicant must complete before a commercial permit can be issued.

The DRC adjourned after the applicant confirmed they would proceed with permitting and follow up with county staff.