Planners weigh creating new 'vehicle storage facility' use to regulate tow‑yard operations

Planning staff told the commission they were contacted by local operators, including Marie’s Auto, seeking clarity on where vehicle storage and impound yards can locate. Under the current code, the use falls into the definition of a “junkyard,” which is permitted only in heavy industrial zones; staff said that leaves many otherwise lawful tow and storage operators without a new‑site option.

Staff described a work plan to draft a new permitted use for some C‑2 areas called a “vehicle storage facility” (term drawn from state terminology) and to circulate model language and state licensing requirements to the commission in advance of the next meeting. The proposed definition would separate short‑term impound/vehicle holding from salvage/pull‑apart yards and could include requirements such as screening not visible from public roads, privacy fencing, and state licensing as operator prerequisites. Staff indicated it will present a draft ordinance and suggested a public hearing could be called in May.

Commissioners probed practical limits: how to define visibility, whether to set a fence height (state minimum is six feet), how to avoid creating a chop‑shop or salvage operation, and whether environmental and DEQ requirements must be referenced. Staff confirmed existing legal nonconforming yards (e.g., Marie’s, Jimmy’s) would not be retroactively affected unless they expand; new or expanded facilities would need to comply with any new local standards and state licensing.

Outcome: staff will circulate draft language and supporting state materials and recommended placing the item on the staff report for discussion and possible public hearing at a future meeting.