Planning commission recommends rezoning to let local store expand

The Eaton County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of DCA‑10‑25‑4, a district change amendment that would rezone a 0.64‑acre portion of 8850 Lawrence Highway from Limited Agricultural to Local Business (C‑1) so it can be adjusted and combined with the adjacent commercially zoned parcel owned by James Plank.

Staff said the applicants requested the change to allow Mr. Plank to expand an existing store and to bring the parcel into compliance with health‑department requirements for wells and septic. Staff noted the site is master‑planned for agricultural preservation and reviewed the ordinances and findings the commission must make, including whether an error in the original zoning justifies the change. "The applicants are requesting to rezone a portion of the subject property from limited agricultural to local business to allow the property to be adjusted to the parcel owned by James Plank," staff said.

One written public comment from Jason Thomas (a nearby resident) asked the commission to require noise‑mitigation measures because of continuous refrigeration equipment on the site. Commissioners questioned whether the request corrected a historical error or reflected changed conditions after parcel splits; staff and the applicant explained the parcel split made the lot nonconforming and the change would allow reasonable economic use and compliance with health regulations. The commission voted by roll call to recommend approval to the Eaton County Board of Commissioners; staff said the application will next go before Public Works and Human Services and then the County Board in November.