Applicant says screening and driveway will mitigate truck parking in residential neighborhood

A Polk County land development planner presented LDLSE20268, a special exception request to allow a 2011 Mack truck and trailer to be parked at 3414 West Solgen/Soakram Loop Road, a 1.46-acre parcel in a residential low land-use district. Planner Aliyah Nglima told the hearing officer that staff recommends approval based on the site plan, visits to the property and mitigation measures such as a commercial driveway apron and a minimum 20-foot offset from property lines.

"Very little of the vehicle will be visible from off-site," Nglima said during her presentation, and staff said the proposed placement at the rear of the primary structure would meet screening and buffering requirements. The planner also noted that the county'9s code includes a condition limiting on-site parking of commercial vehicles to empty weight only.

Applicant Waldo Roto confirmed he agreed to install the driveway apron and the required buffer and said he did not need a translator. A neighbor who lives next door told the hearing officer the applicant "is not a problem" and that other neighborhood noise sources are more significant. The hearing officer closed public comment and said he will issue a written order within seven to ten days.