Board amends zoning code to add 'equipment storage yards' as a use; resident asks about trucking impacts

County Attorney Eisenhower and staff presented a proposed code amendment to add a category described as "equipment storage yards" to the zoning code as a by‑right use in business/industrial zones and as a special use in agricultural zones. The change would allow storage and parking of construction materials and equipment on parcels zoned appropriately and require special‑use review to allow similar storage on agricultural parcels.

A resident, Ross Hawkins, asked whether the change could alter the trucking dynamic next to his property. Eisenhower said currently permitted uses would remain vested and that an agricultural parcel seeking to take advantage of the new allowance would have to obtain a special‑use permit and come before the board. He characterized the amendment as allowing future uses to be requested but not altering current vested rights.

The planning commission had recommended the change; the board opened and closed the public hearing without extensive opposition and then voted to adopt the code update. Supervisors asked staff to clarify where the change would apply and to return if practical examples suggest unintended consequences.