Planning Commission recommends rezoning Country Classic Cabinets site from Agricultural General to Highway Commercial pending removal of residence

The Clay County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request for a property used by Country Classic Cabinets, moving the parcel from Agricultural General to Highway Commercial on the condition the existing residence be removed from the property.

Staff member Matt described the property (address and parcel ID provided during the hearing) as containing industrial buildings (about 20,000 square feet) and one residence. Matt said the business began as a home occupation, grew to about 31 employees and now needs additional space. He told the commission the rezoning request aligns with county comprehensive‑plan objectives to promote value‑added commercial and industrial development along transportation corridors, while also noting two residences lie within a half‑mile in either direction and adjacent land remains primarily agricultural.

Applicant Derek Severson (owner/operator) told commissioners he intends to move the residence off the parcel with a house mover and to continue expanding the business. Barnesville Economic Development Authority Executive Director Karen Lauer and Barnesville Township Supervisor Chuck Anderson spoke in support, citing economic development and job retention. Commissioners discussed spot‑zoning concerns and staff said the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and not likely spot zoning in this instance because the property sits along a transportation corridor and the business is an established employer.

The commission made a motion to recommend approval to the Clay County Board of Commissioners, contingent on removal of the residence; commissioners approved the recommendation by voice vote. Staff noted rezoning would not be finalized until the residence is removed and recommended that condition be included in the approval sent to the county board.