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Planning commission approves interim use permit for landscape and snow‑removal business at 8704 190th Avenue NW
Summary
After public comment and staff review, the Nowthen Planning Commission approved an interim use permit allowing Jason Jones to operate a landscaping, snow‑removal and concrete‑related home business from an on‑site accessory structure, with conditions limiting outside storage, sales and employee presence and requiring demolition or remediation of a noncompliant accessory building.
The Nowthen Planning Commission voted to approve an interim use permit for 8704 190th Avenue Northwest, allowing owner‑operator Jason Jones to continue operating a landscaping, snow‑removal and concrete‑related business from an on‑site accessory structure under a set of draft conditions.
Planner Nash told the commission that Jones had been the subject of prior code‑enforcement action tied to operating without an interim use permit and to prior storage of de‑icing salt on the site. Nash said the proposed permit would confine business activities to a 60‑by‑40 accessory building, allow only the property owner plus up to two employees on site at any one time, ban sales on the property, and require demolition of a south accessory structure by June 30, 2026 unless the applicant resolves setback issues.
Jones, who identified himself at the podium, said he and his father are the only employees based at the property and that most heavy equipment is stored at job sites off the property during winter months. "I was not breaking any municip any laws other than not having an independent use permit," Jones said, adding he had taken steps under an abatement agreement and that machinery is largely off site when not in use.
During public comment, Wendy Stam, a next‑door neighbor, said she supports Jones and described no noticeable traffic impacts from his property: "He's running his business out of his property and it's never been an issue for us. I hope that you do grant his (permit)." Other neighbors raised concerns about historic salt storage and potential groundwater impacts, the volume and weight of trucks on a residential road, hours of operation for winter plowing and who would be responsible for road damage.
Planner Nash and commissioners discussed enforcement and permit termination mechanisms. Nash noted draft conditions that would allow the city to revoke the interim use permit for violations and that the permit would expire in five years, subject to renewal. The draft conditions also prohibit salt storage and on‑site concrete mixing and require any materials, equipment or parts to be stored inside the accessory structure; they include noise and environmental protections and require compliance with state and county building and environmental rules.
Commissioners debated whether to permit limited outdoor parking on the concrete pad south of the accessory structure. After discussion, the commission approved the permit with modifications clarifying where equipment may be staged and emphasizing the prohibition on outside storage unless specifically allowed in the approved permit. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Carlson and seconded by Commissioner Perrell; the commission voted in favor and the matter will be forwarded to council for final action.
Next steps: The interim use permit, as approved by the commission with the revised conditions, will be scheduled for the city council's next meeting. The permit includes timelines for septic and accessory‑structure remediation and flags revocation for violations of the abatement agreement or permit conditions.
