Commission approves 4,292 sq. ft. accessory building at Stewart Lane after residents raise kennel and dark‑sky concerns

The Marion Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a conditional‑use permit for a 4,292‑square‑foot accessory building at 1586 Stewart Lane, finding the proposal met setbacks and height limits in the AG‑10 zone.

Planner Mustafa presented the staff report, saying the project includes a site plan, elevations and a recommended set of conditions. Applicant Ryan Taylor of Upland Development told commissioners the building is for private use only and said neighbors had contacted him and expressed satisfaction with the design. Taylor said the lot is 5.7 acres and the nearest neighbor is about 134 feet away, arguing that the accessory structure is proportionally smaller than comparable homes: "So the dogs live in the house ... the kennels don't live in the kennel full time," Taylor said, describing the kennels as safety measures rather than commercial kenneling.

During questioning, commissioners pressed staff and the applicant about the number of kennels and potential noise, and whether the staff report supplied evidence that the project would not affect wildlife areas or migration corridors. Resident Cathy Owens asked specifically about lighting and dark‑sky protections: "Could we validate what the plan is for the lighting for this large building? We're just a little bit concerned about how that might impact the dark sky proposal," she said. Planner Mustafa responded that the application proposes 10 exterior fixtures and that, based on review, the lighting plan complies with county dark‑sky rules; compliance is included as a condition of approval.

Commissioners also confirmed the record finding for building height (29 feet) and then voted to approve the conditional‑use permit. The motion passed with unanimous support from the commission. The approval includes the conditions and findings listed in the staff report and the dark‑sky lighting condition.