The Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 16 approved a specific-use permit for Hooked Recovery to operate a vehicle-storage and repossession lot at 5525 Cole Street, with conditions requiring code compliance and a certificate of occupancy.

Planning staff said Hooked Recovery operates as a repossession collector that holds vehicles, watercraft, ATVs and other liened property for between one and 60 days depending on lien-holder procedures. Staff recommended approval with four conditions: compliance with Articles 12.06 and 6.08 of the City of Beaumont Code of Ordinances; obtaining a certificate of occupancy; ensuring all repossessed items remain within an enclosed area and not stored in any right of way; and meeting utility and building requirements for any future construction plans.

Staff reported 20 property-owner notices were sent and one opposition was received; because the opposition represented 25% of the surrounding land area the case required a supermajority to pass. The applicant was not present at the hearing. After no public comment, the commission approved the permit with the four staff conditions and entered the action into the record.

Planning staff noted an existing chain-link enclosure on the site and indicated a wood fence was not required by ordinance, though the commission may add conditions in future similar cases.