Board approves Lettuce Patch Special Use Permit after owner vows cleanup

The Board approved a Special Use Permit (SUP) allowing heavy equipment storage and earth-moving operations at the site commonly known as the Lettuce Patch (255 County Road 609) after community-development staff and the applicant outlined a cleanup and screening plan.

Community Development staff reviewed the site and told the board the owner had significant leftover material from a prior operator; staff concluded much of the equipment and debris would be sold or removed and recommended conditional approval with site-management covenants. The applicant, Brett Gengrey, told the board, “It has been a mess. I will admit it,” and described equipment already consigned for auction and steps to seed and vegetate screened areas. Planning commission had recommended approval and neighbors who spoke during the hearing generally supported a conditioned SUP with additional screening.

Board action: commissioners approved the SUP and amended staff’s November 1 cleanup compliance dates to December 1 to allow the owner additional time to remove legacy materials. Conditions prohibit on-site fueling over permit thresholds without permits, require screening and site maintenance, and preserve enforcement triggers.

Next steps: staff will finalize the SUP paperwork with the revised compliance dates and monitor site progress; failure to meet conditions could lead to enforcement action or permit revocation.