Board allows gravel storage with six-foot fence required by Jan. 1

The Board of Adjustments voted to allow a variance/conditional use related to on-site gravel storage at a commercial property, provided the storage area be enclosed by a six-foot privacy fence by January 1.

The item grew out of a broader pavement/variances discussion. Staff said the city council had previously opposed changing the pavement requirement and that a fencing solution would be an acceptable mitigation where commercial storage adjoins residential areas. Commissioners debated time frames to allow the adjacent contractor (referred to in the discussion) to complete needed work so fences could tie in; a compromise deadline and a requirement to fully enclose the gravel-storage area were adopted.

One commissioner moved to allow the variance with the condition that the gravel area be enclosed by a six-foot barrier by January 1; the motion was seconded and passed on voice vote. As recorded in the transcript during the motion, the mover said: "I move that we need, allow the variance... given that he would fence, at least... the 6 foot barrier around the, gravel area by... January 1st." The board directed staff to record the condition and to include an enforcement/inspection step if the deadline is not met.

Commissioners discussed an interim period (multiple participants suggested six months as a reasonable window) but the adopted condition set a calendar deadline tied to coordination with the adjacent developer's work.

The board's action requires the property owner or operator to enclose the storage area; if the condition is not met the board may revisit enforcement options or require additional remedies.