Newman residents who have recently driven near L Street and Industrial Way may have noticed multiple car bumpers laid down in the middle of a salvage yard located next to Garton Tractor, Inc. That site could soon be operated by a Bay Area business after the city’s planning commission department on Thursday approved a conditional use permit for it.

Newman City Manager Michael Holland said there were a “large number” of bumpers that were stacking up near the fence line at the site and it drew the attention of a code enforcement officer. This resulted in an abatement process with the business. After reviewing the business’ intention for the site, a use permit was the “proper process” moving forward, he said. According to the meeting’s agenda, the business resells car bumpers. The business’ name was not provided.

The site was previously used for outdoor storage with no buildings located on it.

“From the staff’s perspective is rather innocuous use as long as they (the business) continue and will keep code enforcement on, as long as they continue to store [the bumpers] properly, keep the site clean and not have a negative aesthetic impact on the neighborhood,” Holland said.

He said no customers will be present at the site as the company’s employees will be the only individuals over there to pick up and deliver the bumpers.

A conditional use permit allows a property owner or business to use a property that isn't permitted within a specific zoning arena, but is acceptable under certain conditions. Since the proposal is within the industrial zone and aligns with Newman’s General Plan, it was recommended by city staff to approve a conditional use permit. The Newman Fire Department, which reviewed the proposal, recommended the bumpers to be within a minimum of 10 feet from the property lines and to not exceed 10 feet in height.