Council approves special-use permit for towing and impound business; neighbors seek clarity on 10-foot fence

The Marion City Council approved a zoning-board-recommended special-use permit allowing Vernell's Interstate Service to operate a towing, recovery and impound business at parcels listed in the industrial park.

Mayor Absher read the zoning-board recommendation and moved to approve the special-use permit covering 3305 Water Tower Road and 800 North Skyline Drive. Neighbors attending the meeting sought clarification about a 10-foot privacy fence shown on the application and whether that fence would surround the entire perimeter or only the impound area. One nearby business owner said the filing indicated the impound area would be fenced and asked whether the fence would cross both parcels.

Wendy from the codes office and the applicant's representative disagreed about the application details: the zoning-board minutes noted the fence would not cover the entire perimeter and would be limited to the south side of the property, while the developer's emailed materials stated the entire area would be enclosed. Wendy read the municipal code language requiring vehicles, parts and equipment to be stored either within a completely enclosed structure or within an area screened by a wall or solid fence at least 10 feet high.

Mayor Absher said staff would try to contact the applicant for a definitive answer about the fence placement and the council proceeded to a vote. The special-use permit passed (roll call: Commissioner Patton —No—; Commissioners Barwick, Webb, Stecklin and Mayor Absher —Yay/Yes—). Mayor Absher asked staff to confirm the precise fenced area with the applicant and to return any needed clarifications to the record.

The council approved the permit with the zoning board's recommendation but recorded outstanding questions about fence placement and ongoing responsibility for maintenance under local code.