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Commissioners grant six‑month temporary permit to WW Customs after contentious land‑use hearing
Summary
After hours of testimony for and against a conditional‑use request by WW Customs, Stephens County commissioners voted 4–1 to grant a six‑month temporary permit to allow the business time to relocate and to revisit the matter in six months.
Stephens County commissioners voted to grant a six‑month temporary conditional‑use permit to WW Customs, the auto‑restoration business owned by Dusty and Theresa Vinson, after a lengthy public hearing and split board discussion.
Planning staff introduced the request as a temporary satellite storage area on a residential parcel (Planning Commission recommended temporary approval through Dec. 31, 2026, with screening). Theresa Vinson told the board, “We have proudly operated WW Customs for over 10 years right here in Stevens County,” and asked the commission to allow the extension while the business seeks a permanent location. Supporters described the business as a regional draw that brings customers and spending to local lodging and restaurants; several nearby residents and an investor opposed the permit, saying the use resembles an automotive salvage yard and has created a nuisance.
Opponents raised health and property‑value concerns. Resident Eric Addison said vehicles on the site collect water and draw pests and asked why the county would consider spot‑zoning a residential area to accommodate a business. Investor Sherry Jeffers argued the county's zoning and nuisance regulations are designed to protect residential investments and warned that granting the permit could invite similar conversions in other neighborhoods. Vinson responded that WW Customs holds both a used‑car and used‑parts license and that the property is maintained.
On the floor during the regular meeting the board first entertained a straight denial, which failed. Commissioners then considered temporary allowances; after amendment and board discussion, a motion to permit the conditional use for six months and revisit the issue carried on a 4–1 vote. The motion sets a six‑month review period for the commission to check compliance with screening and relocation progress. The board did not adopt a permanent rezoning or conditional‑use permit at this meeting; commissioners said they will revisit the item at the six‑month mark.
