Par Electrical site-plan amendment approved after neighbors seek more screening

The Platte County Planning and Zoning Commission approved an amended site-development plan for Par Electrical Contractors at 6840 Northwest 136th Street, allowing a new 60-by-100-foot meeting building, temporary office trailers and redesigned outdoor storage areas while staff and neighbors discussed screening, lighting and traffic.

Staff said the property has been used by the company for decades and the amended site plan meets the county's site-development requirements. Jason Halpern, assistant director of planning and zoning, said staff asked the applicant to extend an existing solid 8-foot privacy fence farther south to screen temporary trailers from the adjoining Allen Acres neighborhood and suggested additional tree buffering.

Neighbor Carrie Abel told the commission she appreciated the proposed fence but asked whether it would wrap the corner and whether additional trees could be planted to reduce noise and light impacts. "I hope the height is enough," Abel said, and she asked the applicant to consider trees to help shield light and improve aesthetics.

Applicant Chris Parkin, who identified the company's corporate affiliation and said the operation has occupied the site for decades, said he would work with staff and neighbors on mitigation. "If you guys have any questions, go ahead and fire away," Parkin said, and later agreed to discuss extending the fence and developing a planting plan.

Commissioners discussed the limits of conditions on site plans versus special-use permits but indicated they would request a tree-planting plan be submitted to staff as an implementing item. A motion to approve the amended site plan carried after a second and roll-call-style vote.

The approval allows the company to proceed with the amended layout; if the applicant later seeks permanent buildings or exceeds the county's definition of 'temporary' facilities they will need to return to the county for additional review.