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Richmond County approves special exception to reopen Sanders Tire as Number One Towing and Repair
Summary
The Richmond County Board of Supervisors voted May 14 to grant a special exception allowing Michael Jernigan to reestablish an auto repair and tire business at 1610–1632 Welcher’s Wharf Road (former Sanders Tire). Staff noted the parcel is zoned agricultural and the Planning Commission recommended approval 9–0.
The Richmond County Board of Supervisors on May 14 approved a special exception allowing Michael Jernigan to reestablish vehicle maintenance and tire sales at 1610 and 1632 Welcher’s Wharf Road, the parcel long occupied by Sanders Tire. The property is zoned agricultural; county staff characterized the prior tire shop as a pre‑existing nonconforming use and recommended the board grant the exception so the structure could return to commercial service.
County staff said the proposed business, to operate as Number One Towing and Repair, would offer basic maintenance, state inspections, tire sales and an on‑road service truck. Proposed hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one full‑time employee and one or two part‑time staff as business needs grow. The Planning Commission recommended the special exception by a 9–0 vote.
During the public hearing neighbors raised concerns about tire collection and roadside dumping associated with some past shops. Michael Jernigan told the board that customers can remove tires themselves or pay a disposal fee; he said he would use a trailer and, as needed, transport tires to a Richmond facility for proper processing. "They’re going to be disposed of properly and I'm not going to have a bunch of mosquito pits sitting around the shop," Jernigan said.
Cliff Mullen, who spoke during public comment, urged the board to approve the application to restore a local inspection and repair option for residents. With no further public comment, a supervisor moved for approval and the board voted in favor. Board members wished the applicant luck and closed the item.
The board’s approval reestablishes commercial operations in an existing structure but does not authorize any external modifications beyond those reviewed under future site or building permit processes. The applicant and staff should follow up on any subsequent site plan, stormwater or building permit steps required by county code.
