Council backs special-use request for home-based timber-frame/sawmill business in northeast county

The Land Use Planning Committee recommended favorably a special-use permit allowing a home-based timber-frame and sawmill business to expand at 69870 Beach Road.

Sean Klein, Area Plan Commission director, said the operation started part time and scaled up gradually; the petitioner sought a special use to retain two non-related employees and construct a new building to consolidate operations. The area board of zoning appeals recommended the special use 6-0.

Attorney Charlie Zirker, representing owner (mister Hostetler), described current operations and the planned new building. Zirker said the proposed layout allows trucks, trailers and occasional semis to enter, load or unload, turn on site, and depart without backing onto Beach Road. He said the business does timber framing and custom saw-milling, dries lumber in a kiln, and occasionally sells finishing stains; most customers are contractors, and daily traffic would be modest.

Committee members who visited the site said the operation is consistent with intensive agricultural land uses in the area and noted the owner's willingness to work with the Madison Township Fire Department and to provide required septic and drainage plans during plan review.

Why it matters: The special use regularizes a business that expanded from hobby/part-time operations into a steady livelihood and requires coordination with plan review, septic and fire-safety officials before construction.

What's next: If the full council approves, the petitioner will proceed to commercial plan review, septic permitting and local fire-department coordination for access and safety.