Committee favors special-use permit for timber-frame sawmill on rural property with conditions for septic and fire review

The Land Use Planning Committee recommended favorably a special-use permit that would allow a home-based business operating a sawmill and timber-frame manufacturing operation on property at the northeast corner of Beach and Tyler roads.

Sean Klein, area plan commission director, said the petition was for a home-based business that would allow two nonresident employees and construction of an additional building; the area board of zoning appeals recommended approval 6–0. The parcel is in a part of the county designated for intensive agricultural use in the comprehensive plan, and Klein said the proposed use is not out of character for that area.

Attorney Charlie Zirker, representing petitioner Mike Hostetler, described the business as mortise-and-tenon timber framing with a sawmill component. Zirker said the operation grew from hobby to established business; most activity occurs in the field and the site would serve principally as a billing office and shop. He said the site layout allows large vehicles to enter, load or unload and turn around without backing onto Beach Road. He also said the petitioner is working with septic and drainage consultants and will submit required plans.

Committee members who visited the site described it as a functioning family farm and said they were encouraged that the petitioner had followed county processes by seeking permits before expanding. The committee voted to send the special-use request favorably to the full council.

Next steps: If approved by the full council, the project will proceed to plan review for drainage, setbacks and building review, and the local fire department will be included in plan review for access and safety.