Board approves special-exception appeal for Old Hill Road auto-repair shop with conditions

The Hancock County Board of Supervisors granted an appeal Jan. 6 from an applicant seeking a special-exception use for an automobile repair business at 12495 Old Hill Road, reversing a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to deny the request and attaching conditions to the approval.

Applicant Andre Ordiff (appearing as "mister Andre" in the record) described the use as a restoration and repair operation focused on classic cars, said most work would occur inside the building and proposed limits on outdoor storage. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended denial because neighbors and commissioners expressed concern about the potential for outside storage, number of vehicles, and residential character of nearby properties. A neighbor who appeared at the board hearing spoke in support, saying the applicant maintained his property and would not create visible clutter.

After public comments, the board approved the appeal with conditions: no mechanical work performed outside the metal building and no storage of vehicles or parts outside the building (the board recorded the motion and voted 5-0 to approve, with the motion moved by District 2 and seconded by District 4).

Why it matters: The decision permits the operation under a special-exception standard that requires clear-and-convincing evidence. The board’s conditional approval seeks to limit neighborhood visual and nuisance impacts by confining work and storage indoors.

The board instructed that compliance with conditions be enforced through county zoning and building inspection processes.