Pasco hearing examiner hears application for contractor yard near Tierra Vita homes

Hearing examiner Jay Eyestone held a public hearing on July 8, 2026, on special permit SP2026006, an application by Steve Colbert of Colbert Construction to develop a contractor's plant and storage yard on an approximately 1-acre unaddressed lot on East A Street in Pasco City. James Bagley, Planner II for Pasco City, presented staff findings and recommended approval with conditions.

Bagley told the examiner the parcel lies between 3713 and 3905 East A Street and is zoned C-3 (general business) with a commercial land-use designation; property to the north is R-1 (low-density residential). He described noticing that included publication in the Tri-City Herald and mailed notices to owners within 300 feet. "Staff recommends approval of SP2026006 with the conditions herein proposed," Bagley said.

The staff-recommended conditions include applying the permit to parcel number 113730133 and any subsequent subdivision; directing all lighting downward and shielding it to avoid spillover; prohibiting vehicle storage closer than 50 feet to the northern property line; requiring noise levels to comply with Pasco Municipal Code §9.13; limiting hours of operation to 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; and installing a 15-foot irrigated landscape buffer with pine trees at a minimum of one tree per 30 linear feet and shrubs at one per 10 feet along the wall abutting Tierra Vita Subdivision and the western property boundary. Staff also required vehicle-storage areas to have compacted gravel, concrete, or asphalt surfaces and said any change in the nature or intensity of the use may require additional review.

Applicant Steve Colbert, who identified his business address as 3905 East A Street and said he has operated the business adjacent to the subject lot for 28 years, swore an oath before testifying. Colbert described the proposal as primarily a storage area for vehicles and small equipment, with gated access and a block wall along the street, and said the firm's long-term goal would be to build a small commercial building on the lot in the future. "We believe in being good neighbors," Colbert said, adding that his existing operations have produced no complaints or citations.

Examiner Eyestone asked Colbert whether he had reviewed the staff report and its proposed conditions; Colbert said he had and did not object. Eyestone clarified that the standard hours condition would match the adjacent permit and noted there may be occasional early arrivals on site that do not constitute "operation" as defined by the permit.

No members of the public appeared in person or on the Zoom call to offer testimony. Eyestone stated he would receive the six exhibits he identified earlier into the record, consider those documents and tonight's testimony, and expects to issue a written decision within the next 10 working days; he explained that appeals of his decision must be filed in the Franklin County Superior Court within 21 days after issuance.

The hearing concluded with the examiner adjourning the session. No formal vote was taken at the hearing; the decision on SP2026006 will be issued in writing.