Planning Commission approves expansion of home-business permit for vehicle graphics with conditions

The Clinton County Planning Commission voted unanimously on June 11 to recommend approval of a Special Land Use permit amendment that expands an existing home-occupation Class B permit for Dan and Margaret Jorae at 1097 E. French Road, St. Johns (Parcel ID: 090-022-300-030-50). The permit originally allowed mobile repair of emergency vehicles (issued 2019); the Joraes asked to add vehicle graphics and wrapping for all types of vehicles.

Applicant Dan Jorae told commissioners, "This is a new use," and said he typically takes vehicles he repairs to a body shop for paint work. Commissioners questioned parking, outdoor storage and solid-waste disposal; Jorae said he uses an on-site dumpster and described planned parking locations for vehicles awaiting work. The commission recommended approval with conditions including: hours of operation limited to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. daily; outdoor storage of client vehicles prohibited for more than seven days; storage and staging arranged per the approved site plan; the dumpster screened from public view; no hazardous materials stored on site per §5.11 of the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance; and vehicles not parked over the septic system or near the wellhead as recommended by the Mid-Michigan District Health Department. The motion (moved by Dawn Levey, supported by Stephanie Schafer) carried by unanimous roll call (7-0).

The conditions are recorded in the commission’s recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. If the Board approves the recommendation, the permit will allow the Joraes to perform vehicle graphics and wrapping at the listed address under the specified operational limits.