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Board approves variance for two 76-foot silos at 894 Prairie Road after neighborhood health concerns
Summary
The board approved a variance allowing two 75-foot‑11‑inch silos at 894 Prairie Road to exceed the 60‑foot height limit. The applicant cited landlocked lot restrictions and material‑handling constraints; a nearby resident raised dust and health concerns prompting discussion of monitoring and conditions.
The board voted to approve a variance allowing two bulk material storage silos measuring 75 feet, 11 inches at 894 Prairie Road, which exceeds the 60‑foot maximum in that zoning district. Staff had cited prior approvals for similar silos and recommended approval contingent on the applicant demonstrating unique circumstances or hardship.
Jason Fuller, agent for CPG International LLC, said the site is landlocked and that transportation and material‑handling limits drive the proposal. "We go to that maximum," Fuller said, explaining narrow diameters and taller silos are needed so recycled material will flow and so larger‑diameter units cannot be transported on local roads. Fuller added that the change would reduce daily truck trips, lowering traffic by roughly a third.
A resident who lives directly across the street urged the board to consider health impacts from dust. "It's affecting my health, even though Agent Orange is already affecting my health," the resident said, asking whether emissions are "breathable" and whether an EPA investigation could be started. Board members and the applicant responded that the material is untreated wood and that the applicant said it has been tested and is noncombustible.
Board members asked about prior precedent and fire‑service access; staff noted the commission had approved similar variances up to 77 feet in recent cases and recommended approval based on property constraints and precedent. A motion to accept the variance was moved, seconded and passed by roll call.
The decision authorizes the applicant to seek any required building permits and further review by county or fire authorities. The board recorded written support from neighboring homeowners in the file; any outstanding technical conditions from county reviews (fire alarm, site access) remain subject to subsequent inspections.
Next steps: the applicant will pursue building permits and any conditions noted by Warren County or the planning and fire departments. The board’s approval was contingent on the applicant demonstrating the unique circumstances the staff report cited.
