Commission approves Schultz & Son recyclers’ 4,960 sq ft accessory building

Dorchester County planning commissioners approved a final site plan for Schultz & Son recyclers to construct a 4,960 square-foot accessory building for equipment storage and maintenance.

Brett Ewing of Wayne Engineering, representing Robert Schultz, told the commission the proposed 62-by-80 pole barn would be built on existing gravel parking and storage area at 6012 Shiloh Church/Hurlock Road, provide 12 additional gravel parking spaces, and remain under the 5,000-square-foot threshold that would trigger stormwater management and erosion-control review. Ewing said the project is accessory to an existing recycling use, improves efficiency and moves equipment indoors for maintenance.

Staff confirmed the expansion triggered site-plan review because of size but not a variance, that the site is screened from the highway by an existing fence and vegetation, and that there would be no plumbing or septic changes proposed for the accessory building. Commissioners praised the business: one commissioner described it as “one of the cleanest recycle operations running the state of Maryland.” After brief discussion about parking, lighting and agency exemptions, a motion to approve passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Next steps: the applicant may proceed with building permits consistent with the approved site plan; staff will monitor any outstanding agency comments and ensure conditions of approval are met.