Planning commission recommends rezoning 3939 Shrine Rd. for wedding and event venue

The Clark County Planning Commission voted on May 6, 2026 to recommend that German Township rezone 8.320 acres at 3939 Shrine Road in German Township from A‑1 Agricultural to B‑1S Shopping District to permit a wedding and event venue.

Stephanie Dunlap of Clark County Community and Economic Development introduced Rezoning Case G‑2026‑01 for property owners Seth and Elizabeth Evans (applicant Mo Carpenter) and described the proposed site plan: an event space, parking area and adjoining sunflower fields on land currently shown as Rural Agriculture in the county's Connect Land Use Plan. Dunlap told the commission that "German Township had its own zoning, and so the Board would be making a recommendation to German Township, not the Rural Zoning Committee." She said Shrine Road is a secondary arterial with an 80‑foot right‑of‑way and that the county health and engineering staffs had identified requirements: the site will need septic and a well because sewer cannot reach the parcel; a stormwater management report and site plan must be submitted; stormwater discharge is expected to be directed to the drainage ditch on the west side of the parcel; and a driveway access permit will be required from the county engineer.

Commissioners questioned whether notices had been sent to neighbors (Dunlap: not yet; the Township will handle notices when the case goes to Township hearings), whether alcohol sales were planned (the applicant had not specified), and whether a rezoning would remain tied to a wedding venue. Dunlap and commissioners agreed that adding specific‑use language to the county recommendation would help ensure the B‑1S designation is restricted to a wedding/event center and that any noncompliant items would require the Township to process variances. The preliminary site plan shows roughly a 150‑foot setback from the eastern property line to the proposed building; the lot is about 8.320 acres.

Commissioner Patterson moved, and Mrs. Anderson seconded, a recommendation of approval "contingent on restricting the use to a wedding venue / event center only and ensuring all conditions from the engineer’s office and the health department are met appropriately." The motion passed with seven votes in favor and one opposed (Commissioner Lohnes). The recommendation will be transmitted to German Township for its Zoning Commission and Trustee review.