The Board of County Commissioners voted Thursday to grant a special‑use permit allowing Vaughn and Brandy Tapman to operate an agricultural implement repair and engine machine shop out of a repurposed building at 6480 Pickney Road in Rye.

The Tapmans told the board their business has been operating for about a year in a former indoor greenhouse building they purchased in Rye and that they focus on heavy agricultural equipment and engines. "We do have a shop established here in town ... we've guided our business and everything towards, you know, trucks, tractors, diesel engines," said Vaughn Tapman during the hearing.

Staff told the board the applicants had met code requirements and that the Planning Commission recommended approval. Several members of the public spoke in favor, describing local need for implement and machining services and praising the Tapmans for repurposing a vacant building. One neighbor said the business provided a necessary skill set for the rural community.

Commissioners asked about operations and hours, and the Tapmans said all machining would occur indoors and that they generally receive engines and parts rather than leaving vehicles outdoors. Commissioners also discussed zoning limits: because the property is in an A‑1 agricultural zone, broader commercial or industrial uses would require rezoning; staff said limiting the permit to agricultural implement repair helped avoid setting a broader precedent for industrial uses in agricultural areas.

After public comment and board discussion, the commissioners voted to approve SUP 24‑9 with conditions listed in staff materials. The board noted the Tapmans had worked cooperatively with staff and community members during the review process.

The permit allows the Tapmans to continue operating the machine shop with the conditions and limitations attached to SUP 24‑9; any material change in operations could require further review.