Clinton County approves family homestead and private-campground special exceptions with deed and use conditions

At a Clinton County public hearing, staff recommended and the panel approved two special exceptions requested by petitioner Jonathan D. Loft: a family homestead approval to allow multiple residences on a single 80-acre parcel, and a private-campground approval that the panel limited to a single RV/campsite with use restrictions.

Planning staff member Liz outlined the family-homestead standards the petitioner must meet: minimum one acre per dwelling, arrangement so each dwelling can meet subdivision setbacks, and a required written deed agreement to include agricultural-protection language under section 5.13.04 of the Unified Development Ordinance. Staff said the parcel sits on the north side of Henry Road (near 300 North) between Hamilton Road and 400 West in Washington Township and that the tract is roughly 80 acres.

For the family homestead, staff recommended approval with conditions: the special exception is limited to three dwellings; if more dwellings are desired the petitioner must return for an amendment; there may be only one shared driveway for the entire 80-acre tract; and the deed must be amended and recorded to include the agricultural-protection covenant in section 5.13.04 to the satisfaction of the county attorney before any permits or structures can be built on the site. A board member moved to approve the family homestead application and the motion received a second; the transcript records that the motion carried.

On the private-campground request, staff recommended approval with specific conditions to prevent commercialization and prolonged occupancy: only one RV or camping site is permitted (the condition applies to the full 80-acre property), the site cannot be used for public rental or services (including Airbnb), and the campsite cannot be full-time occupied. Staff also recommended that the special exception expire either when the owner builds and occupies a residence on the site or when the property is sold, and that any new owner seeking continued campground use must return to the county for approval.

Public comment focused on neighboring concerns: Hugh Matthews, a neighbor who said he lives next door on the east side, asked about the number and types of animals that could be kept; planning staff explained how animal-unit calculations work and said structural animal facilities (barns) would prompt review under the animal-unit and setback standards. Kristen Scheller, another nearby resident, said she lives across the street and supported a single, private campsite but sought clarification that the permit would not allow multiple or commercial campsites.

Board members discussed implementation details and recording requirements. The family-homestead motion and the private-campground motion were made and seconded separately; both motions were recorded as approved in the transcript, though a named roll-call tally by member was not included in the record.