Wilson County approves Tiki Holdings bus storage and repair with conditions

The Wilson County Board approved a use variance for Tiki Holdings to operate a bus storage and repair facility at 6700 East Old Marshbrook Road, clearing the way for a commercial operation the board said must meet several conditions before vehicles may remain on site long‑term.

Board members voted to approve the proposal after staff warned that unrestricted “storage” of motor coaches could devolve into a salvage yard without clear limits and screening. The approval makes the company's submitted business plan part of the board’s conditions and includes these stipulations: no salvage operations, no inoperable vehicles parked outside, no outside storage of other materials, a limit of 40 motor coaches on site at any one time, and completion of the paved site improvements within one year. The board also required that paving be completed before the company begins long‑term parking of vehicles and that screening and fencing be coordinated and approved by staff.

Representatives for the applicant said the facility will primarily host operable, leased motor coaches and that repairs would be carried out indoors. Tim Brewer, speaking on the project, said the vehicles would be kept in good condition and not left to deteriorate: “Vehicle stored on‑site will be operable, licensed, and maintained in clean condition.” Company representatives told the board that the building has four bays and a pit for under‑vehicle work, that septic and basic building improvements have been addressed, and that they expect to complete site improvements roughly within 90 days after closing, with a one‑year deadline written into the approval.

Staff recommended the board impose conditions to avoid long‑term, unpaved storage that can lead to visual blight and create enforcement headaches. The board accepted staff’s recommendation to require site‑plan improvements prior to long‑term parking and to make the business plan and fencing/screening requirements part of the approval.

The board’s motion included an amendment asking the applicant to work with staff to identify appropriate screening and fencing materials for the county corridor. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The applicants said they will begin site‑plan work and pursue paving once closing is complete.

The board concluded that the stipulations balance the property owner’s redevelopment plans and the county’s interest in avoiding salvage‑yard conditions. The county’s planning staff will monitor compliance and require site‑plan approval and any minor amendments if necessary.