Council approves OHV service permit at 2217 Old Dennis Road after removing “new items only” display restriction

The Weatherford City Council voted to approve a conditional-use permit for an off-highway vehicle (OHV) service with outside storage at 2217 Old Dennis Road, approving the permit with an amendment that struck a condition restricting outdoor displays to new items.

The change follows testimony from the applicant, Houston Sutton, who told council he opened his business in 2018, transitioned from wholesale to used retail and operates a service shop. "As of right now, we're used only," Sutton said, adding that selling new units would open opportunities but was not guaranteed. He told council he intended to display only quality units and planned to invest in fencing and screening to improve the site's appearance.

Staff presentation described the site as 1.5 acres in a C-2 zone and recommended approval of the permit subject to stated conditions, including an item limiting displays to new equipment. During deliberations Mayor Pro Tem Smith moved to remove that condition, saying he trusted the applicant and did not want to place what he called an unnecessary restriction on a local business. Planning staff noted that striking the condition would allow the applicant the flexibility he requested while other conditions in the permit would remain enforceable and that conditions stay with the property if the use changes.

Council members also discussed long-term implications: if the property lies dormant for six months or a new type of use seeks occupancy, a new CUP application would be required. After the amendment was seconded, the council voted to approve the CUP as amended. The applicant thanked the council and said he would move forward with site improvements.

The conditional-use permit is recorded as CUP-26-0003; the council’s approval took place during the meeting’s consideration of item 8c.