Board clears vet clinic reuse of former implement dealership on State Road 39

The Clinton County Board of Zoning Appeals on July 26 approved a special exception for John Hendrickson to operate a veterinary hospital and clinic in an existing commercial structure on State Road 39 in Ross Township. Staff said the building — constructed in 1997 and until recently used as a farm‑implement dealership — sits on a five‑acre parcel and is surrounded by farmland and scattered residences. The proposed use requires a special exception in the A‑1 agricultural district; staff recommended approval subject to specified conditions: compliance with all local and state building codes, health‑department approval and animal‑control confirmation, installation of required landscaping and parking, and installation of soundproofing in clinic areas. Staff reported the Clinton County Health Department had no objections after staff followed up; the applicant told the board he would confirm design plans that address the soundproofing standard during the permit review and before a certificate of occupancy would be issued. Staff also noted the purchase agreement for the property is contingent on board approval of the reuse. A member of the public who said he was the original owner of the land spoke in support of the reuse and described the clinic as an asset for the Rossville community. Why it matters: The decision allows adaptive reuse of an existing commercial building in an agricultural corridor and supports a local veterinary service that staff characterized as agriculturally‑related and beneficial to both livestock and pet owners in the area. Conditions require the applicant to meet health, building and animal‑control standards before operation begins. Next steps: The applicant will proceed through administrative development‑plan review, confirm required landscaping and parking with staff, and show completed soundproofing and any health‑department/animal‑control requirements before the county issues a certificate of occupancy. The board’s approval was contingent on meeting those conditions. Outcome and vote: Motion to approve application CCDASH2025-00595 (docket 20-25-SE) per staff findings with conditions as noted — motion passed on roll call with all members present voting yes. Quotes (from hearing): “I support this 100%,” a resident and former owner of the parcel said, praising the adaptive reuse and calling the clinic “an asset for the Rossville community.” Staff noted the reuse is consistent with the comprehensive plan policy to encourage adaptive reuse of existing structures.