Commission approves conditional use permit for congregate housing with safety and screening conditions

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the conditional use permit for a congregate residence on the ground floor of the Royal Highway Tours project (application 2026055), with conditions addressing safety clearances, screening, and parking.

Wayne Jensen, the architect, described the first floor as "apartment style or dormitory style" with eight rooms that "could house up to 2 people" each, for a potential 16 residents. The permitting official clarified that congregate residences and residential dwellings are separate conditional uses under Title 19 and recommended evaluating each use independently. The commission adopted findings that the use would protect public health, safety and welfare and would be in harmony with the comprehensive plan, and it required the applicant to obtain fire and public‑works clearance regarding the existing above‑ground fuel tank and bus‑wash area.

Commissioners also resolved a parking calculation discrepancy—staff calculated 10 spaces required overall, while the applicant's current layout had eight; the applicant agreed there was room to add spaces. The motion to approve passed on a 3‑0 roll call.