Whitley County board approves special exception for family-run machine shop over neighbors’ objections

The Whitley County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3–2 to grant a special exception to allow a family-run, enclosed machine shop on agricultural land at 3647 West 500 North after an extended public hearing in which neighbors raised concerns about noise, drainage and property values.

The petitioners, Todd and Justin Goss, told the board they intend to begin with a single Swiss‑type CNC machine inside a 40‑by‑48 structure, with the potential to add up to four machines over time. Justin Goss said the machines are enclosed and run automatically: "Once you program that and prototype it and get it going, close the door and you let it run," and that coolant is vegetable‑based and shavings will be recycled. He also said local electric service is sufficient though phase conversion will be needed for the equipment.

Neighbors said the proposed shop would harm the rural character and could be noisy and disruptive. Michael Matotzi, who said he lives about 40 feet from the proposed building, told the board: "I think it's a very bad idea," and warned that a Swiss milling machine "has the potential to run up to 105 decibels." Terry Fontenot and another neighbor said they moved to the agricultural area for peace and quiet; a horse owner said horses are sensitive to noise.

Staff described the use as a recognized special‑exception use in the AG district but singled out noise as the primary performance concern; staff recommended conditions including that operations be contained inside the building, that no raw material or waste be stored outdoors, and other standard limits. During discussion board members and staff debated possible mitigation measures such as a vegetative or fence buffer on the east property line and an enforceable sound level at the property line; staff noted measurable decibel limits have been used before but can be administratively difficult to enforce.

Petitioners offered to move the structure farther from neighbors if the board found that necessary. "If the building itself needs to be moved back, we are willing to move it back, you know, 50 feet," the petitioner said during rebuttal.

After discussion the board approved the petition with amended conditions: the special exception is granted for the applicant and is transferable only to immediate family; existing staff conditions were retained; and a buffer (trees or fencing) on the east side of the property was added. The motion to approve, which included those changes, passed on a 3–2 vote.

The board noted that any expansion beyond the approved configuration would require the applicant to return for further review. The special‑exception approval does not rezone the property and is limited to the operation as presented and conditioned by the board.

The board did not schedule any additional hearings on the matter; neighbors were encouraged to discuss outstanding concerns directly with the petitioner.