Board sends favorable recommendation to council for timber-frame and sawmill special use on Beach Road

The St. Joseph County Area Board of Zoning Appeals on May 14 voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the county council for a special-use permit allowing a mortise-and-tenon timber-frame and sawmill business at 69870 Beach Road, operated by Gary and Crystal Hostetler. The board’s recommendation follows staff findings that the operation is consistent with intensive agriculture in the county’s comprehensive plan and that the existing use has operated on the property without complaint for several years.

Area Planning Commission staff Fariel Sharif said the Hostetlers’ property is about 57 acres and that most surrounding parcels are agricultural. Sharif described the request under the county code’s home-based business special-use provisions, citing “section 154.091 sub b 10,” and said staff recommended the board send the request to the county council with a favorable recommendation. Sharif told the board the petitioner has designated a site for a new septic system and is preparing a drainage plan for county engineer review if the council approves the special use.

Attorney Charlie Zirker, representing the petitioner, said the operation began as a hobby and expanded into a part-time and then full-time business. Zirker described the business mix: “75% of the business is mortise and tenon timber frame and wood peg joinery,” about “20% is the custom saw milling,” plus limited kiln drying and on-site retail sales. Owner Gary Hostetler said deliveries of raw timber average “a couple a month” and that most customers are local contractors rather than national distribution.

Sharif noted the petitioner submitted a petition signed by seven nearby property owners, including all adjacent landowners, in support. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearing. Board member Tom Byers moved to forward the special-use request to the county council with a favorable recommendation; Connie Ritzma seconded and the board voted unanimously to send the recommendation and to issue written findings of fact.

The special-use process will next be considered by the St. Joseph County Council; staff said septic and drainage plans will be reviewed by county agencies if and when the council approves the special use.