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Neighbors’ complaints about burn piles prompt commissioners to table mulching conditional‑use request
Summary
A conditional‑use application to operate a mulching/wood‑repurposing site on Little McCall Road was tabled after residents described repeated multi‑day burns and smoke affecting yards and health; the applicant said past burning was storm debris and that state rules require prompt processing of material.
The board on Nov. 4 voted to table a conditional‑use request by Joey (Joseph) Zettler to operate a rural business for mulching, wood repurposing and limited equipment storage at 894 Little McCall Road after nearby residents described repeated large burn piles and smoke impacts.
Zettler told the board the property is ~16.5 acres and that the proposed operation would process wood into firewood and mulch; staff noted operating hours would be Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., anticipated daily visitors of 5–10 vehicles and quarterly use of grinders. Zettler said state regulations require material to be processed within 90 days.
Neighbor Dwayne Miller said piles of brush brought from other areas were burned for days, producing soot and ash that fell on homes and yards. “These fires will last 2, 3, 4 days,” he told commissioners. Another neighbor, Larry Cox, said smoke affected his family’s ability to be outside and exacerbated respiratory problems.
Commissioners noted the county’s noise and nuisance ordinances and expressed concern about the burn practice. Staff said the operation would need to comply with state environmental rules and county noise limits; fire‑safety documentation was presented but multiple commissioners said they wanted the absent commissioner (who represents the neighborhood) to weigh in. The board voted to table the item to the Nov. 18 meeting and requested more documentation and the opportunity for the absent commissioner to participate.
What’s next: Applicant should bring documentation of state approvals and plans to eliminate open burning or to manage smoke (including a more detailed operational plan and equipment/noise profiles); staff will provide any missing state guidance or permit references for handling mulch piles and burning.
