The Rankin County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 15 approved a conditional‑use permit allowing Thomas Ainsworth to operate a by‑appointment used‑car business at 822 Bethel Road, a 3.1‑acre parcel in District 3. The board approved the permit 3–2 after public comment and conditions limiting on‑site displays and requiring coordination on signage.

The permit allows a maximum of three vehicles to be displayed and requires appointments for viewings rather than continuous on‑site inventory. Supervisor Brad moved to approve with added conditions that vehicles be shown only when a buyer has an appointment and that sign placement be coordinated with the county supervisor, and the motion was seconded. The board recorded the measure as carried, yes 3, no 2.

The decision followed roughly 70 minutes of public hearing and discussion. Nearby residents voiced opposition, citing the residential character of the road. Citizen Steven Walker of 787 Bethel Road said he was “not in support of it.” Neighbor Luana Ainsworth, who said she lives next door at 812 Bethel Road, told the board: “I don't really want a car lot next to my house.”

Applicant Thomas Ainsworth addressed neighbors and the board, describing a plan to operate primarily through online sales and to keep vehicles off the road until appointments. “I'm trying to get a used car dealer license,” Ainsworth said, adding that he planned “to do a 100% used car sales online” and that he expected to sell “25 to 30 vehicles a year for this first year if if everything is approved.” He said he would keep vehicles behind a shed and pull them out for appointed buyers.

Staff had recommended a set of standard conditions including an inventory limitation, noise and lighting controls, surface requirements for display areas, enforcement provisions, and a nontransferability clause requiring board approval if ownership or operation changed. The board added an explicit condition that vehicles be displayed only for scheduled appointments and that Community Development coordinate sign permit decisions with Supervisor Calhoun so sign placement would not unduly affect neighbors.

Opponents asked how enforcement would work and whether county staff would monitor compliance. Supervisor Brad told residents that violations could be reported to Community Development and that the permit could be revoked if conditions were breached. “If he goes outside of what's being proposed, we will get your phone calls,” he said during the hearing.

The permit was approved with the appended conditions. The board noted the conditional‑use approval is nontransferable: if the property or operation changes hands, a new permit would be required.

The board moved on to other agenda items following the vote.