Planning Commission approves Sutherlin Fire Department request to raise training facility height

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit that will allow the Sutherlin Fire Department to increase the height of a proposed three‑story training facility from the 35‑foot limit to 42 feet at 250 South State Street.

Planning staff summarized the request in the public hearing, saying, “the applicant, the Sutherlin Fire Department, is requesting a conditional use permit to authorize an increase in the height standard from 35 feet to 42 feet on our proposed training facilities,” and noted the facility is a three‑story structure with a rooftop railing that causes it to exceed the standard height. Staff recommended approval, subject to planning clearance worksheet approval and other standard conditions.

Commissioners asked whether the structure would expand onto adjacent recreation fields; staff and the applicant clarified the training facility will remain inside the existing fenced training area and next to the current training building. During deliberation the chair moved to approve the staff alternative to grant the conditional use permit and a second was recorded. The roll call vote was: Mister Hockstead — Aye; Mister Williams — Aye; Mister Mark — Aye; Chair Van Nujal — Aye. The motion carried 4–0.

The commission closed the public hearing before making its decision. Staff noted the application was submitted and deemed complete on 2025‑12‑26 and that notice was mailed to property owners within 100 feet. The approval allows the department to proceed with building permit submittals consistent with the conditions set by planning staff.