Local repair shop property rezoned to B-3 to allow auto sales and service

The Area Plan Commission approved a rezoning request to change a property at 3056 North County Road 850 East (known locally as Laker's Repair Shop) from A-1 to B-3 to allow auto repair and vehicle sales. The applicant said he and his wife recently purchased the site and intend to reopen a vehicle sales and service business on the historically commercial parcel.

An applicant identifying himself as Joshua described the property’s history, saying the building and residence on the site were constructed in 1957–58 and that the site sustained more than 60 years of local business before sitting vacant for about four years. Joshua said the concrete areas that once held fuel pumps remain on site but that fuel tanks were removed and signed off more than 30 years ago. He told commissioners he intends to focus on service activity rather than storing large numbers of inoperative vehicles: "I do not [intend] to have a lot of nonoperable equipment," he said.

The petition was reviewed under Decatur County ordinance section 11-45. Commissioners asked about site improvements the applicant plans; he described repainting, new metal on a Morton building and plans to pave a triangular area to provide parking and circulation. The applicant also said he plans to have a staff person living on-site to maintain a security presence.

After questions from the commission and no adverse public comment, the commission voted to approve the rezoning request to B-3. The board recorded the motion, the second and roll-call affirmative votes on the petition and instructed the applicant to follow the county’s normal building and permitting procedures before reopening.

The applicant was reminded to work with county staff on any required permits related to signage, site work and any conditional-use requirements that may be triggered by sales operations, and to ensure any required state or federal inspections are in place for vehicle sales.