Newport City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Daily Electric Conditional Use Permit and Variances
Votes (1)
Daily Electric Conditional Use Permit and Variances Request
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Ramali [00:53:30] · Seconded by Commissioner Kermy's [00:54:20]
Daily Electric sought approval for a conditional use permit and variances to expand their facility, including an 8600 sq ft addition and new parking. Staff recommended approval with 11 conditions, addressing issues like window coverage, opaque fencing for residential screening, and removing one of three access points on 21st Street as per county and city engineering recommendations. The applicant, Darby Regan, expressed willingness to work on window increases but sought flexibility on the 'no outdoor storage' condition for work vans and questioned the 100% opaque fencing requirement, suggesting chainlink with slats might suffice. A resident voiced concerns about potential impacts on his property. Commissioners debated the outdoor storage clause, emphasizing past issues with unmaintained outdoor storage in the city, and supported the opaque fencing. The project's alignment with the city's 'gateway community' vision was also discussed, with staff asserting it would be a positive investment. Ultimately, the commission agreed with the staff's proposed conditions.
Notable Quotes (6)
Today in front of you, Daily Electric is in for their conditional use permit and variance requests. Um you previously saw um the concept planned for this um in December of last year. So they're officially back for their official submission.
So for the MX3 district, um, in terms of building design, we're looking at 40% window coverage for office uses on the first floor fronting a public street. So it would be for those three sides, the west, the north, and the east. Um, combined, they're at around 23% is kind of what they're currently looking at.
U chair uh members of the commission I'm not aware of any uh complaints that we've received regarding any issues uh as far as daily operation times zero none.
So jumping to um outside storage not permitted. Uh we would like the opportunity to have work vans stored in the back in the event you know daily electric employees take their work vans home with them.
With all of that said, I think this will be a great addition. Uh, this has been a a a really good business for our community. Uh, I know we want them to stay. I meet with them often. I kid when I say they don't wave enough. Uh but no, uh you know, I think I think we're there. I think this will be a great investment for the community and and I think um it's going to be very complimentary to to what we're trying to do in this area.
But um I think also we've had problems with storage in the past and I think it's advantageous for the city to protect ourselves from storing things anywhere and everywhere.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Required for contracting uses in the MX district, which Daily Electric's expansion falls under.
Numerous variances requested by Daily Electric for lot area, lot coverage, setbacks, window coverage, and landscaping.
Identifies specific criteria for contracting uses.
Daily Electric's initial concept plan was reviewed in December of the previous year.
Detailed report by city staff outlining findings and recommended conditions for the Daily Electric project.
Provided comments and requirements, specifically regarding access configuration and civil plans.
City's long-term development plan, discussed in relation to the 'gateway community' vision.
Study that identified Hastings Avenue as the commercial corridor and future entertainment/office district across from the Daily Electric site.
Study that identified potential for additional vehicle trips to boost retail and investments on Hastings Avenue.
Applicant is required to provide updated civil plans after removing one access point.