Developer proposes RV and boat storage on former chicken-farm parcel; county lists drainage, septic, access items

Cody McCool, the project representative for the Hillfinger Hartright site plan, told the Benton County Development Review Committee on Feb. 11 that the proposal would convert a former chicken-farm parcel into a secured RV, boat and contractor-trailer storage facility.

McCool said the plan calls for demolishing the remaining farm structures, regrading the site so surface water sheets to the south and west into right-of-way ditches, covering the interior with compacted aggregate (Class 7) and building to setback limits. "Our goal would be to, basically, eliminate all...the remnants of that farm, strip all the current aggregate and vegetation, regrade it," McCool said, and add Phase 1 facilities with "15 covered spaces and 20 interior storage unit spaces." He described covered spaces as open-face, three-sided lean-to structures and said building heights were drawn at about 18 feet for the tallest points.

Why it matters: The property sits near existing residences and county roads, so staff focused on stormwater management, emergency access and on-site utilities before any administrative approval can be granted.

County staff listed several required submittals and design changes before permitting can proceed. The road department instructed the applicant to file a driveway construction permit and to show the Wildwood Way right-of-way on final plat drawings. "Please make sure to fill out a driveway construction permit," Jake from the road department said, adding that a county inspector will determine drainage requirements for the driveway.

The health department asked the applicant to verify septic and well locations. Caroline in the health department noted that an adjacent parcel had a septic permit and cautioned that any discovered well must be "properly filled and plugged, not just bulldozed." McCool told staff the small on-site building would not include restrooms; he said the site would have only yard hydrants or spigots for occasional cleaning and that RV users would be required by contract to empty holding tanks off-site.

Public-safety staff emphasized emergency access. Lonnie, speaking for fire services, said gated access must include a way for fire apparatus to get in, turnaround space and access to each unit; he also asked that interior surfacing be able to support heavy apparatus (75,000-pound standard cited). The DRC also requested a Knox box or equivalent for emergency entry.

On screening and site appearance, McCool proposed a 6-foot black chain-link fence with windscreen and fast-growing evergreens on 12-foot centers to provide year-round screening; planners asked for a 20-foot deep, two- to three-tier planting buffer where existing trees are removed.

Other technical requirements staff listed: a drainage report, letters confirming service from electricity and water providers, full-cutoff fixtures for exterior lighting to avoid glare, a shown Knox access on the plan, and dimensioned parking and driveway details to avoid stacking onto Wildwood Way. McCool said building-safety staff (Amanda) will follow up with a permit packet and technical details by email.

Next steps: The DRC closed the item after listing outstanding items for submittal: drainage report, utility service letters, driveway construction permit, verification of septic/lateral locations, final buffering/screening details and emergency-access provisions. McCool said he would follow up with the county by email and phone.

No formal vote or permit decision was made at the Feb. 11 meeting; the item remains pending until the applicant submits the listed materials.