Yreka council delays decision on 1,800-square-foot metal shed in historic district, refers permit back to staff

The Yreka City Council on July 21 stopped short of approving a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed 1,800-square-foot metal storage structure at 403 3rd Street, voting to refer the application back to staff for additional review.

The planning manager told the council the project was located in the 3rd Street Historic District and that staff recommended approval subject to design conditions intended to make the accessory structure visually compatible with the primary Craftsman-style house (paint, white trim, a three-step window casing and screening). The structure would be a standalone, unheated storage building to hold gardening materials and antique furniture, and staff said it complied with setbacks and zoning and was categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act for small accessory structures.

Several council members questioned the size and material of the building and whether the project should have been reviewed first by a planning or historic commission. "Normally, metal storage sheds would not be time period accurate in the historic district," the planning manager said, explaining why staff added design conditions. Public commenters said the shed's size and metal construction were out of character. "1,800 square feet is twice the size of my house," Barbara Schlunt said, and Jan Osborne warned that approving the structure would "whittle away at" the historic district.

Council members cited the absence of an active planning commission and historic commission as a complicating factor. One councilor urged a compromise on scale; others said they were reluctant to set a precedent allowing large metal sheds in the district. Mayor Baker moved, seconded by Council member Davis, to take no action on the permit and refer it back to the planning department with direction to work with the applicant on revised findings and closer conformance to historic-district requirements. The motion passed on roll call with four votes in favor and one abstention.

The council instructed staff to return with more information and design alternatives, and to note how findings in the municipal code will or will not be met. No final permit decision was made; the item will return to a future meeting after staff follow-up.