Board approves restricted C-3 rezoning for enclosed welding shop after neighbors secure perimeter‑fence condition

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 27 approved a future land-use and restricted C-3 zoning request to allow a small enclosed welding and fabrication business on a parcel along Busby Avenue.

Dialal Persad, who operates as Dial Welding and Fabrications LLC, bought the parcel in 2021 intending to move from mobile welding to a permanent space. His attorney, Mary Solik, said Persad confirmed he will perform all welding and repair work inside a new, roughly 2,500-square-foot building and that the property will not be used for outside storage.

Neighbors initially opposed the request because the site abuts residential lots and because of concerns about metal building aesthetics, noise and property values. Several speakers said they would welcome a well-managed business but asked for perimeter screening. Resident Mateo Schulte and others asked expressly for perimeter fencing and enhanced landscaping to screen the site from adjacent homes.

The board approved the request with the planning commission’s recommended restricted uses (C-2 uses plus two specified C-3 uses limited to an enclosed welding shop and machine shop) and eight additional restrictions including prohibiting inoperable-vehicle storage, automobile sales, pole signs and outside vehicle repair. The applicant agreed to provide perimeter fencing along the residential-adjacent sides (north, west and south) and to meet a required landscape buffer; the record reflects a perimeter-fence commitment intended to address neighbor concerns.

Next steps: The applicant must submit site and building permits consistent with the zoning restriction; staff will verify perimeter fencing and landscaping during plan review and permit inspections.