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Middleton planners direct staff to draft findings for Zimbrick off‑site parking permit after debate over curbs, sidewalk and cost
Summary
The Planning Commission directed staff to prepare findings of fact supporting a conditional use permit for Zimbrick to convert 3202 Parmenter Street into an off‑site vehicle parking lot, after applicants and commissioners debated whether required curbing, sidewalks and landscaping — which applicants said would add about $70,000 — could be waived or mitigated.
The Middleton Planning Commission on June 9 directed staff to prepare findings of fact in support of a conditional use permit (CUP) for Zimbrick’s plan to demolish a storage building at 3202 Parmenter Street and convert the site to an off‑site inventory parking lot.
The motion, made by Commissioner Paulson and seconded by Commissioner Randy Bruce, came after the applicant’s architect and a Zimbrick manager described the site as “an eyesore” and said added requirements for a 6‑inch curb, sidewalk extension and extra plantings would increase project costs significantly. Jim Tritik, the project architect, told the commission, “We just want to tear the building down and get more cars on the lot.” Dave Cruzer, general manager representing Zimbrick, said the added measures “adds $70,000 to the project,” which could make the improvement economically infeasible.
Why it matters: The parcel is in Middleton’s highest‑density zoning district. Several commissioners said they were concerned about memorializing vehicle storage on a parcel the comprehensive plan envisions for more urban uses; others argued that preserving the viability of an existing nearby business supported allowing the off‑site parking as an ancillary use.
Staff presentation and code questions
Daphne, a city planner, explained the zoning and parking code (Section 10.06.06) that triggers curbing and other site improvements when a parking area is expanded or formalized. She said the code gives the Plan Commission authority over minimum parking requirements and gives the city engineer discretion to permit alternatives to standard 6‑inch curbing where approved stormwater management facilities are used.
Commissioners probed whether the city engineer could waive curbing requirements for stormwater or snow‑removal reasons and whether sidewalk extensions should be required. Commissioners noted input from Rob Evert, who had urged a sidewalk to fill a missing link used by nearby residents of Aviary, Oak Ridge and Metal Ridge Apartments; staff said the sidewalk decision would be determined at the site‑plan review stage and that some adjacent driveway segments are privately owned, which affects where a new sidewalk could be required.
Comp plan and temporary use arguments
Several commissioners worried that dedicating a dense parcel to vehicle storage could conflict with the comprehensive plan’s goals for higher‑density development. Supporters countered that vehicle storage could be treated as a temporary or ancillary use that preserves the economic viability of the nearby dealership until redevelopment becomes feasible.
Next steps
Because the Plan Commission did not make a final decision on the CUP, staff will prepare findings of fact reflecting the commission’s concerns and recommended conditions for consideration at the next meeting. The commission’s vote to direct staff carried; no opposing votes were recorded in the hearing record.
All direct quotes and claims above are taken from the June 9, 2026 Planning Commission record and public remarks made at the hearing.
