The Delaware County Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday approved a six‑month, nontransferable business‑use variance for Steven Massey to operate a tree service from his Salem Township property, imposing conditions intended to address neighbors’ complaints about burning, debris and nuisance impacts.

Neighbors from West County Road 400 South told the board they had endured months of smoke and large piles of wood. "Every day, sun up to sun down, that fire was burning," said Steven Wright, who told the board a summer fire burned for nearly three weeks and forced him to contact the fire department. Laura Wright, a nearby real estate agent, told members she believes the applicant "lied on the application saying there is no burning," and said smoke has interfered with residents’ right to quiet enjoyment.

Applicant Steven Massey acknowledged earlier burning and apologized, telling the board he "stopped 100% anything with the business" after a fire department visit and that he has been removing material from the property. He said he has taken out multiple truckloads of wood and planned to screen the back half of the property with arborvitae or fencing.

Board members and staff reviewed evidence from the county building commissioner and neighbor emails and photos. Staff reported the building commissioner had visited and sent Massey a notice that business operations must cease pending a variance application; the file also included calls and runs by the fire department.

The board split the request to consider setbacks separately. Members approved the setback variances first by a 5–0 vote, noting the setback figures were based on aerials and that a formal survey could later clarify any encroachment. The business‑use variance then passed on a 4–1 roll call with the following conditions: a six‑month limit applied to the business use only, the variance is nontransferable and applies to the applicant alone, all business materials brought on site that are not part of storage for personal firewood must be removed or relocated, business materials and vehicles must be screened from public view, no on‑site burning is allowed, operations must end at 8 p.m., and the owner must clean up the visible debris.

The board instructed county staff to prepare a certification reflecting the conditions and to monitor compliance; enforcement for burning would follow state code and local enforcement channels if violations continue. The motion and conditions were read into the record and carried by roll call vote.

The decision allows Massey to operate under the specified restrictions for six months; the board said neighbors can request additional enforcement or a hearing if conditions are not met.

Votes at a glance: setbacks portion approved 5–0; business‑use variance approved 4–1 (Miss Knapp voted no).