HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFD - 25-01072 – Builders FirstSource Lumberyard - 1076 S 12th W - CUP(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
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Reason for Decision
25-01072 – Builders FirstSource Lumberyard - 1076 S 12th W - CUP
1. October 13, 2025, An application was received for a CUP from Mark Berthold for
Builders FirstSource
2. October 13, 2025, Application paperwork was completed.
3. October 13, 2025, Payment was received for the application.
4. October 13, 2025, Staff Reviews were assigned.
5. October 27, 2025, Staff Reviews were completed.
6. October 31, 2025, Notice was sent to the newspaper to be published on November 4,
2025 & November 11, 2025.
7. November 13, 2025, Staff Report was completed.
8. November 4, 2025, Notice was mailed to all property owners within 350’.
9. November 10, 2025, Notice was posted on the property.
10. November 20, 2025, the application was presented to the Planning & Zoning
Commission.
Public Hearing – (25-01072) Builders Firstsource Lumberyard – CUP – Located at
approximately 1076 S 12th W, the application is to allow a lumberyard in a CBC zone. –
Mark Berthold (Action)
Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Chairperson Smith recused herself due to a conflict of interest.
Commissioner Richards took over conducting this portion of the meeting.
Commissioner Richards introduced the Conditional Use Permit.
Presentation:
Planner Baldwin announced representatives from Builder’s FirstSource were in
attendance to answer questions. He showed the site location of the application on the
map and listed some of the surrounding businesses and stated this was located within
the Community Business Center (CBC) zone. He explained that retail is allowed by right
in this zone, but the storage yard requires a CUP. Planner Baldwin stated that staff
(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
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believe this is in a good location and asks the Planning & Zoning Commission to
consider recommending that the City Council approve the application.
Clarification was provided that the building and retail operations are allowed under
current zoning, while the outdoor storage yard requires the CUP. The yard will need
screening, such as slats in the fence, to block materials from view along the right-of-way.
The parcel under consideration is currently fenced but will require additional screening.
Questions were raised about similar properties, such as Rexburg Motorsports to the
west, which also has fenced storage but no CUP. Discussion suggested the CUP
requirement may relate to the type of product stored. Screening is intended to minimize
visual impact and potential nuisance.
The applicant, Donovan Meng, described the proposed traffic patterns and showed
them on the overhead map. The plan routes truck traffic off 12th West onto a private
road behind the property, allowing trucks to enter, unload parallel to the building, and exit
back onto 12th West. This design aims to reduce congestion on12th West and avoid
bottlenecks similar to those on Main Street. Truck traffic is expected to be low volume,
primarily early mornings and some afternoons, with operating hours from 7:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. (extended to 5:30 p.m. in summer). Seasonal variations will further limit traffic
impact, and retail traffic will be separated from truck traffic for customer safety. Retail
customers will not typically enter the storage yard, and overall traffic impact is
anticipated to be similar or less than previous Iron Horse operations, which involved
larger vehicles and longer hours.
Zoning for the surrounding area was reviewed: properties across 12th West and near
Good to Go are zoned Community Business Center (CBC), with some Low Density
Residential (LDR3) to the southwest and public facilities to the north near the school.
Planner Baldwin clarified that cutting lumber to length does not change the zoning to
industrial; only manufacturing activities would require an industrial designation. Mr Meng
explained that Builders FirstSource will not engage in manufacturing at this site, aside
from minimal cutting of floor joists. Truss manufacturing will continue at their existing
truss plant. The proposed site will be used for retail and lumber sales, with future plans
for enclosed storage buildings.
Commissioner Richards opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:44 pm.
In Favor:
Vondell Erickson, the current location manager, stated that the move is much needed
due to challenges at the existing site, including limited space and safety concerns with
trucks backing up on Main Street near railroad tracks. He noted that the new location
would provide better access and alleviate issues for overnight truck drivers who currently
have no truck stop options in Rexburg.
(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
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Donovan Meng, the Market manager, emphasized that the company has sought
relocation for several years. He explained that the current facility is undersized and
poses safety risks for employees and the public. The proposed site offers more space
and should not create additional impact compared to the previous Iron Horse facility.
Jared Klingonsmith, a local contractor and long-time customer, expressed support
based on operational challenges at the current yard. He described frequent congestion
and difficulty maneuvering vehicles and trailers due to space limitations. He stated that
the new location would greatly improve efficiency for contractors and reduce frustration.
Neutral:
Sally Smith owns property next to iron horse. She expressed interest in understanding
the plan and raised a question about truck traffic impacts on University Boulevard, noting
it is already busy. She asked whether most semi-trucks would access the site from
Highway 20, which would minimize additional traffic into town. She also observed that
while the proposed use is similar to John Deere and Rexburg Motorsports, it may involve
more trips. She acknowledged the use of a private road would reduce traffic on
University Boulevard and 12th West and agreed the relocation is needed. Additionally,
she encouraged the applicant to ensure the vacated Main Street property is redeveloped
into something beneficial for the community. Mr. Meng responded that the property will
be sold and they hope it becomes a positive addition to the area.
Opposed: none
Written Correspondence: none
Rebuttal: none
Commissioner Richards closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:52 pm.
Commissioner Discussion:
The Commission discussed whether requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
was necessary given that the proposed use aligns with existing zoning and
similar businesses in the area. Planner Baldwin noted that the outdoor storage
yard differs somewhat from other nearby uses, which may justify the CUP as an
added layer of protection. He further clarified that CUPs are attached to the
parcel rather than the owner, and while the permit would remain with the land, a
change in use could alter the requirement.
Commission members expressed support for the proposal, citing improvements
such as relocating semi-truck traffic away from Main Street and reducing
congestion. Members agreed the move places existing traffic in a more suitable
location and noted that the road width near the location was designed to
accommodate truck traffic. Concerns about safety near the high school were
addressed, as the site plan alleviates potential conflicts.
MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit
application for 1076 S 12th W, allowing a lumberyard in a Community Business
Center (CBC) zone, as recommended by city staff and meeting all outlined
requirements.
(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
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Action: Approve, Moved by McKay Francis, Seconded by Bruce Casper.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion:
Commissioner Geddes asked about fire protection. Planner Baldwin and Mr. Meng
both confirmed fire hydrants were nearby.
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 6, No = 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir,
Tammy Geddes
No: none
Abstain: none
Chairperson Smith resumed conducting the meeting.
11. December 3, 2025, application was presented to City Council.
Planning and Zoning recommendation to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a lumber yard
located at approximately 1076 S 12th W in the Community Business Center (CBC) Zone #25-01072 –
Alan Parkinson Action Item
P&Z Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Conditional Use Permit for a lumber yard located at
approximately 1076 South 12 West in the Community Business Center (CBC) zone.
Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a lumber
yard located at approximately 1076 South 12th West in the Community Business Center (CBC) Zone;
Council Member Reeser seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson None
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member E. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.