Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nuisance Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Farmland residents press county over alleged junkyard at 319 E. Jackson; inspectors to visit
Summary
Residents told Randolph County commissioners that vehicles have accumulated for months at 319 E. Jackson St. in Farmland, alleging salvage activity, pollution risks and intimidation. Area planning staff said inspectors will visit and enforcement steps, including possible court action, will follow if salvage is documented.
Farmland residents urged Randolph County officials on Tuesday to investigate what they described as an unpermitted auto salvage operation at 319 East Jackson Street. Lisa Stonerock, who said she lives at 322 New York Street, described “vehicles that have sat there for months to over years” and said neighbors worry about vermin, fluid leaks and runoff toward the White River.
The complaint focused on two parcels one in the town of Farmland and an adjacent county parcel. “These vehicles have sat there for 6 months to over years… It is an auto salvage junkyard that is taking place,” Stonerock said during public comment, citing concerns about environmental and public‑health risks and possible impacts to property values.
Deborah Johnson, area planning director, told the commissioners the parcel in town is zoned C‑3, which allows vehicle repair and storage but not salvage; land behind that is R‑2 (residential) under county zoning. Johnson said the county’s approach is to have a building inspector document activity and, if salvage is occurring (defined as removing parts to sell), the area plan office would pursue a civil enforcement action in superior court.
Commissioners asked the building inspector to visit the site, collect photographic evidence and report back. The board also directed staff to confirm whether Farmland town officials previously submitted a complaint and to return with clear next steps for residents, including a point of contact for follow‑up.
The commission did not take immediate enforcement action at the meeting. Johnson cautioned that proof is required to obtain an injunction or file suit: “We won't do an injunction unless we know that they're doing that and we have to have proof,” she said. Residents continued to press for a prompt response and requested that the inspector email the commissioners the results of the site visit and any recommended enforcement actions.
