Marion County OKs special-use permit for horse-transport business with repair limits

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners on March 17 approved a special-use permit allowing S and Sally Horse Vans Inc. to operate a horse- and livestock-transport service on a 10-acre parcel at 5152 W. Highway 326 in Ocala.

Board members voted unanimously to approve case 250302SU after adding a condition clarifying what repairs may occur on-site. Chuck Verdin, who read the consent item, described the request and the parcel information. Attorney James Hartley, representing the applicant, said the applicant agreed to the clarified repair condition, and Commissioner Zalick moved approval with Commissioner Stone seconding. The vote was unanimous.

The board discussed a previously vague condition that prohibited “significant mechanical repairs.” Commissioners asked staff to define that term so code enforcement could apply the condition consistently. The revised condition limits on-site work to routine maintenance — for example, tire changes and basic checks — and bars fluid-changing or other repairs that would require a mechanical shop.

The permit remains limited to transport services related to horses and livestock in a General Agriculture zoning district; no other operational changes were reported during the hearing. The applicant confirmed acceptance of the added condition before the board voted.

The county clerk recorded the motion and unanimous vote. Staff noted two other, unrelated applications for tomorrow’s meeting had been withdrawn.

The permit approval is final as recorded in the meeting minutes; any future disputes about repair activity would be handled through Marion County Code Enforcement under the revised condition.