Commission approves conditional use permit for Martinez Landscaping storage yard with conditions

The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit on May 8 for Martinez Landscaping to legalize outdoor storage and operations on an undeveloped 2.81‑acre parcel on Nola Way near North Virginia Street. Staff recommended the CUP after evaluating compatibility and operational impacts.

Associate planner Jeff Foster presented the staff report, explaining the property sits amid a mix of industrial and residential uses and that similar outdoor storage operations exist nearby, including Reno Rock Transport and United Rentals. The applicant had been operating prior to obtaining a CUP and sought formalization of outdoor equipment and material storage, with a requested 10‑foot maximum stack height and screening; the applicant later indicated an 8‑foot screening fence would suffice.

Key conditions of approval include limiting on‑site vehicle and equipment washing; prohibiting vehicle idling on site; requiring a compacted aggregate base for vehicle circulation; maintaining landscaping along residential property lines; and limiting stacked material to fence height. Condition language also requires hazardous‑materials controls (containers stored in secure locations and employee training) to prevent surface‑water or groundwater contamination.

Commissioners asked for clarifications on definitions distinguishing outdoor storage from salvage yards. City staff read the code definition for outdoor storage (long‑term retention of materials, machinery and large vehicles) and said salvage or wrecking yards — which involve dismantling and part sales — are a different prohibited use in the zone. Staff also confirmed the site would require a building/site improvements permit and that any work near an identified gas pipeline would be handled in the building‑permit and public‑works review.

No neighbors testified in opposition and staff recommended approval subject to conditions. The Planning Commission voted to approve the CUP and found that the use could be made compatible with adjacent residences through screening and conditions addressing noise and air quality.