Jackson County approves rezoning to allow engine‑building shop on front two acres of property on Twentieth Avenue

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors on June 24 approved ordinance 3-17 after a public hearing to rezone the front portion of a rural property on Twentieth Avenue so owner Tyler Seifer can operate an engine-building shop.

At the hearing, Seifer described the proposed use as a small, low‑noise engine-building operation run largely out of an existing 60-by-80 building and an attached lean‑to. He told the board most work is assembly and cleaning, and that engines are typically brought in on pickup trucks; he said, “it’s a pretty quiet process…90% of the time, you don't even have the door open because you don't want the humidity inside.” Seifer also addressed neighbors' concerns about delivery trucks and semi traffic, saying he would ask drivers to back in and that most clients are reached by appointment rather than walk‑in business.

Several neighbors raised concerns—by Zoom and in person—about increased traffic, delivery vehicles, potential noise, and impacts on property values. One neighbor attending in person expressed worry about large vehicles unloading on the shoulder. County staff and a zoning commission member noted that the proposed activity was more analogous to farm/commercial vehicle traffic or seasonal agricultural traffic than a continuous manufacturing operation.

The zoning commission had recommended approval of a rezoning of the front 230 feet measured from the center line of the road, which staff said equates to roughly two acres; the board voted to approve the rezoning (motion by Mike Stennis, second by Nin) and then suspended rules to complete second and third readings during the same meeting. The board recorded voice votes in favor for each reading and directed staff to publish the ordinance as required.

The approval authorizes a limited commercial use on the front portion of the parcel; the remainder of the 17.5-acre property remains in its prior zoning. Supervisors asked staff to ensure any required permit or notice processes are followed and to confirm whether signage or other site features would be needed; Seifer said he did not plan to add commercial signage. The board did not add special conditions to the rezoning beyond the parcel description and the ordinance readings.