Commission approves contractor/wood‑sales conditional use on South Perkey Road; road commission driveway concerns noted

The Eaton County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit on July 8 for a construction contractor establishment, storage of heavy equipment and firewood sales at 253 South Perkey Road (CU‑7‑25‑4). The applicant, Aaron Traush, told the commission he operates the business from the home property and is willing to comply with any road‑commission requirements for the driveway approach.

Planning staff said the 5.18‑acre property is zoned limited agricultural and currently uses an existing 38‑by‑58‑by‑10 pole barn for equipment storage; the applicant proposed a future 80‑by‑120‑by‑20 pole barn within the next ten years. Staff reported a complaint prompted the application and that the Charlotte Fire Department and Barry‑Eaton District Health Department reviewed and raised no objections.

The Eaton County Road Commission submitted photos showing existing truck and equipment use of the driveway and recommended the driveway be reconstructed to a commercial standard within the county right‑of‑way (widened approach, heavy‑duty pavement section, tapers and radii). The road commission recommended the applicant secure a commercial driveway permit and make approach improvements to prevent encroachment into the opposing travel lane when trucks enter or exit.

Applicant Aaron Traush told commissioners he owns a four‑axle lead semi and has, in previous work, used local roads to haul materials; he said he would work with the road commission and perform required improvements if necessary. Traush said the driveway damage cited by the road commission resulted from hauling related to other projects and that he is prepared to improve the driveway if told to do so.

Commissioners discussed whether to include explicit driveway‑improvement stipulations in the conditional use permit. Several members said the road commission’s authority and permit process are the correct place to require approach upgrades; others said including a county‑level condition gives staff leverage to ensure compliance. The commission ultimately approved the permit. Roll‑call votes recorded yes votes from Scott Hanson, Ben Terrell, Lisa Lewitski, Ray Whitaker, Ed Kemp, Tim Catron, Zachary Dillinger and Brian Ross.

Staff advised the applicant that any required commercial driveway work would be limited to the county right‑of‑way (typically 33 feet from the centerline) unless additional private property improvements are negotiated. The conditional‑use permit will be emailed to the applicant for signature and return to the planning office.