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Soda Springs planning commission recommends Adam Hayes’ used-car and recreational-vehicle sales lot to City Council
Summary
At a June 9 meeting, the Soda Springs Planning & Zoning Commission recommended that the City Council approve a conditional use permit for Adam Hayes (Rocky Mountain Off Road, LLC) to operate a used-car sales lot in a C‑1 commercial zone; the commission noted traffic and appearance concerns and Fryar recused from voting.
Chairman Charles Fryar opened a public hearing June 9 on Adam Hayes’ application for a conditional use permit to operate a used-car sales lot in a C‑1 commercial zone. Clerk Melissa McDowell said the commission received no written public comments.
Adam Hayes, who identified himself as owner of Rocky Mountain Off Road, LLC, told the commission he intends to obtain vehicles from auctions and display used cars along with UTVs and ATVs and possibly a few boats. Hayes said the vehicles would be shown on a grassy area initially and that he plans to pave the lot eventually. "If any issues arose, I would be willing to install a fence," he said.
During public inquiry, Commissioner Waynet Jo Turner asked Hayes to clarify what he meant by "used cars" and where the vehicles would be sourced; Hayes replied they would come from auctions and include recreational vehicles in addition to automobiles. Vice Chairman Lori Anne Lau raised whether the recent City Council revision to the definition of a recreational-vehicle sales lot had been adopted; Clerk McDowell said it had not yet been approved.
Lau also asked City Attorney Tom Smith about whether listing multiple uses under separate code letters could create a conflict and about increased use of two entrances off Hooper Avenue; Smith and the commission noted the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) would need to be consulted if traffic patterns changed. Chairman Fryar recused himself from discussion and voting because of his employment with Caribou Ford.
After deliberating under City Code 17.68.020 (General Standards for Conditional Use Permits), Commissioner Stephen Simmons moved that the commission recommend approval of the conditional use permit to the City Council; Vice Chairman Lau seconded. The motion carried with "all in favor," and the commission formally recommended the permit to the City Council. The minutes do not record individual vote tallies.
The recommendation to City Council is advisory; final approval of the conditional use permit rests with the City Council. The commission’s minutes record commissioners’ concern that the site should be kept tidy — Turner said she did not want the property to become an "eyesore" like another lot in a neighboring community — and Hayes’ assurances about cleanup and potential fencing.
Next steps: the recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for its review and final action.
