The St. Charles County Planning and Zoning Commission voted Sept. 17 to recommend approval of a renewed conditional use permit allowing outdoor storage of recreational vehicles, boats and trailers at 5055 Highway 94 North in Orchard Farm.

The application (CUP25-03) covers a 4.88-acre parcel currently zoned Light Industrial (I-1). County staff told the commission the request essentially re-files a conditional use permit originally approved in 2019 and asks to reinstate outdoor storage for 138 spaces; many site improvements are already in place but landscaping and other items remain unfinished.

County staff said the previously approved detailed construction plans and stormwater work remain on file and that MoDOT responded with “no permit required” for the driveway. Staff recommended approval of the renewed permit with the six conditions set forth in the staff memorandum, intended to address land-use impacts including buffers, fencing, access and completion of site improvements.

Cliff Heitman, president of Backs Engineering Company, represented the applicant and described the request as a reinstatement of the prior approval so the property owner can finish remaining work. “We are simply asking to extend that conditional use permit so that Mister Lindeman can finish his his construction work and the project should be buttoned up here again,” Heitman said. He also stated the firm’s address as 221 Point West Boulevard in St. Charles.

Arnie C., the county public advocate, raised several concerns during the public hearing, asking for a stronger landscape buffer and protections for stormwater and flood events. He recommended a Type 3 landscape buffer (instead of the Type 2 buffer staff cited), asked for a ban on storage of hazardous materials and fireworks, a limit on vehicle repairs of no more than 48 hours to avoid the site operating as a repair shop, and a prohibition on derelict vehicles older than 30 days.

County staff and the applicant responded that a stormwater detention/quality basin was included on the approved detailed construction plans on the western portion of the property and that the recommended conditions repeat those required under the original approval. Staff also reported that the proposed gate is set back so vehicles can pull onto the site without blocking Highway 94 and that the operator intends to use keyed/remote access rather than on-site staffing.

After discussion, Commissioner Bower moved and Commissioner Shell seconded a motion to approve CUP25-03 subject to the six staff recommendations. Commissioners voted in favor; the commission’s approval is a recommendation to the County Council, which is scheduled to consider the applications at its Oct. 14, 2025 meeting.

The recommendation includes the conditions set out in the staff report; the commission record notes the applicant agreed to the recommended conditions and that staff will verify completion of landscaping, fencing, gate placement and stormwater measures prior to final action by the council.