Planning commission approves chainsaw‑carving conditional use permit with daylight‑hours condition

The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing artist Ryan Hubert to operate a chainsaw‑carving business from a detached accessory area, subject to conditions that included a written property‑owner letter and limits on hours of operation. Hubert described his proposal as a low‑impact, community‑oriented craft business that would use a 10‑by‑20 tent for much of the work and occasional chainsaw use during daytime hours.

Commissioners reviewed the city’s general review criteria (Section 10‑13‑4), covering compatibility, traffic, utilities, emergency access and nuisances such as noise, dust and light. Members asked about tent anchoring, neighbor outreach and the durability and maintenance of carved wood in the local climate; Hubert said he sources softwoods locally and applies annual finishes to preserve pieces.

A motion ‘‘to approve the conditional use permit application with the following conditions: (1) a letter from the property owner approving the use, and (2) chainsaw operation limited to daylight hours’’ was moved and seconded on the record and carried unanimously. Commissioners noted the permit is conditioned on adherence to the city review criteria and that staff will confirm the property‑owner letter and parking/traffic accommodations before finalizing the permit.