The Oakdale Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for an oversized accessory structure at 2954 Granada Lane North during their Sept. 4 meeting, despite concerns from neighbors about noise and the building's size.

Applicant Andrea Carpenter received approval for a garage and workshop building up to 900 square feet, significantly larger than the typical 200 square feet allowed by right. The structure will be located in the backyard of the 0.4-acre residential property and used primarily for storage and hobby projects, including woodworking and car restoration.

Neighbors Emily and Eric Millis, who live directly behind the proposed structure, raised concerns about potential noise from workshop activities and the building's scale. The existing shed on the property is approximately 25 square feet, making the new structure 36 times larger. "If it's a workshop, I want to know how much it's going to be used and how much noise it's going to be adding to the area," Emily Millis told commissioners.

Carpenter assured commissioners the building would be "as soundproof as possible" and that her son would use it mainly for hobby projects like table-building rather than commercial-scale woodworking. The structure will include insulation, finished walls, and basic plumbing for a hand-washing sink.

The commission approved the permit 4-1 with conditions requiring a building permit, compliance with setback and height requirements, and a maximum size of 900 square feet. Planning staff recommended approval, finding the request met all conditional use permit criteria. Carpenter hopes to complete construction before November.