On Jan. 2, 2025, the Lee County Zoning Board of Appeals voted to recommend approval of a special-use permit for an auto-repair business operating at 823 Sterling Road in Dixon (petition 24‑p‑1634). The board also voted to accept the petitioner's proposed conditions that limit on-site work and require compliance with county hazardous-materials rules.

The petition seeks a special use on a roughly 5‑acre parcel zoned AG‑1 (Agricultural) to allow the owner to continue operating an auto-repair business classified as “auto repair, minor” under the Lee County code. Courtney Kennedy, an attorney representing the petitioner, told the board the owner has lived at the property since Sept. 23, 2011, and “has worked full time as an auto mechanic from this property since that date.” She said the owner typically works alone, has no employees, and performs some off‑site calls for farms and townships.

Kennedy described how hazardous materials and waste are handled at the site. “He does not store [lithium batteries] at the property,” she said. She added that used oil is “stored in a 250 gallon plastic tote” and is removed from the site for disposal; antifreeze is handled similarly. Kennedy also presented a list of voluntary conditions the petitioner agreed to, including a limit of 15 vehicles being worked on at one time; no parking or storage in the public right of way; no signage unless approved by the Lee County Zoning Office; a prohibition on operating a junkyard or scrap processing facility from the property; and compliance with the hazardous‑materials section of the Lee County code.

Zoning staff told the board the office has been working with the property owner on compliance issues dating to April 2024, including an effort to inventory on‑site vehicles and distinguish operable versus inoperable vehicles. Jared Yater, a compliance officer with the zoning office, was identified in the record as meeting with the owner to take that inventory. Staff also confirmed that adjacent landowners were notified by certified mail and that a certificate of publication for the hearing was provided.

During the board's required findings-of-fact review, members repeatedly concluded the proposed use would have no adverse effects or could improve the property if cleanup and the proposed conditions are followed. The board made formal motions reflecting no change in traffic or utilities, a likely positive effect on public health and safety because of cleanup, and no adverse environmental effect provided current standards are upheld. The board then moved to recommend approval of the special-use permit and to accept the petitioner’s proposed conditions; both motions passed.

The board recorded the recommendation for the county board to consider at its next meeting; staff noted the Lee County Board of Commissioners will meet Jan. 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. The Zoning Board’s recommendation and the agreed conditions will be transmitted to the full county board for final action.

The record shows the board considered limits and safeguards intended to reduce environmental and neighborhood impacts but did not specify a numeric roll-call vote in the transcript excerpt.