Douglas Zoning Board Unanimously Denies Trucking Company's Special Permit Application

DOUGLAS — June 3, 2026 — Douglas Zoning Board denies special permit for commercial truck storage in Rural Agricultural zone. The board voted 5-0 Wednesday to reject case 2026-04, filed by the Lindsay A. Graham Living Trust on behalf of Starrett Trucking and Excavating, which sought to park eight trucks plus excavating equipment at 11 and 17 Potter Hill Road. Board member Mike Fitzpatrick cited dual fatal flaws: the Douglas Zoning Bylaws flatly prohibit contractor operations in Rural Agricultural districts as a "definite no," and the storage parcel lacks a residence, foreclosing any home-business accessory-use argument. The applicant noted the frustration of inheriting conservation violations and a USDA farm-classification obligation from prior owners but acknowledged he would need to relocate the fleet. Two neighbors testified, both raising concerns about traffic on the narrow private dirt road. The board also flagged a process problem, with Fitzpatrick calling for better pre-screening coordination with the building official: "I don't want to give people false hopes when it's an absolute negative outcome."