Commission backs home‑based D & D Tree business with screening and paving conditions

The commission recommended approval of case 260102SU, permitting a small, owner‑operated tree and land‑clearing business to store light commercial equipment and one commercial vehicle at a residence in an unrecorded subdivision, subject to conditions intended to reduce neighborhood impacts.

Staff raised concerns about frequent use of unpaved subdivision roads by heavier vehicles, unclear prescriptive access for Northeast 140th Street, and screening/parking surfacing that did not meet residential standards. "The primary concerns are access and maintenance of these unpaved roads and whether the parking and equipment are appropriately screened and on an improved surface," a planner said.

Property owners Trina and Roy Lester, and operator David Craft, told commissioners the operation is primarily owner‑operated, that prior code enforcement issues have been resolved, and that they would comply with staff conditions, including submittal of a site plan, screening and an improved paved or concrete parking surface under equipment storage. Code enforcement supervisor Tom Sapp confirmed a prior code case was opened in 2025 but that the active violations had been cleared with stipulations that future violations could trigger fines or revocation.

Several neighbors testified both for and against the request. Supporters said the operator has helped maintain the private road and is a positive community presence; opponents cited photographs they said showed commercial trailers and repeated commercial activity. The commission adopted staff conditions but directed clarity in timing and site‑plan requirements; the recommendation will be forwarded to the county commission for final determination on March 17.