Board approves special exception for agricultural chemical sales, storage and drone service with parcel-limited condition

The Jackson County Board of Adjustment on April 28 granted special exception 25-04 to Gregory and Mary Thomas, allowing an agricultural chemical sales and storage operation on a farm parcel that will support their drone-based spraying and seeding business.

Gregory Thomas, applicant and operator, told the board the operation would store and stage agricultural chemicals, maintain containment for totes, and support drone aerial application of fungicides, insecticides and cover‑crop seeding. Thomas described the drones as carrying “about 10 and a half to 13 gallons” per load and said deliveries of bulk product would be limited in frequency (“twice a year, maybe 3 times”) and that most activity is seasonal in July and August. He also said septic is approved for the site and that the applicants plan a concrete‑foundations structure for chemical storage; the building dimensions discussed were described in the hearing as roughly 50 by 80 feet.

Staff presentation and public notice: County planning staff said the required 500‑foot notice area was used for the application and that no objections were received. Staff reviewed DNR/state licensing requirements referenced by the applicants and confirmed the special exception being considered was…