The Wayne County Board of Zoning Appeals twice decided March 13 that light manufacturing and light industrial businesses were not appropriate at residences on agriculturally zoned properties.
BZA members denied two variances of use by men wanting to open businesses. David Stoltzfus wanted to build sheds at 5869 Dingle Road in Greens Fork, and Abner King wanted to begin a fabricating and powder-coating business at 6719 Manning Road in Economy.
To approve a variance of use, board members must accept five findings of fact. The board found only two of the findings of fact in Stoltzfus’ favor and three for King’s petition.
Stoltzfus moved onto the Dingle Road property, which is in a subdivision, in February 2024 and was building sheds when he was stopped during January 2025 because the business was not a permitted use in agricultural zoning. He planned to construct the sheds inside a building, then store completed sheds outside until his wholesaler took them.
Although one neighbor supported Stoltzfus’ business, saying his sheds were “works of art,” five neighbors opposed the business. They were concerned about seeing a commercial site and the completed sheds from their properties, noise from his preferred 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. business hours Monday through Saturday and the precedent of permitting commercial operations in a subdivision.
Board members found that the business would adversely impact the neighbors’ use of their properties, that there was nothing particular about the property that would impact their decision and that strict application of zoning would not create a hardship for use of the property.
King hoped to open a custom steel fabricating shop inside an existing building and turn a shipping container into a powder-coating oven. He said his business would mainly consist of repairing agricultural equipment for nearby farmers.
One neighbor, who owns a machine shop, said the operation could be dangerous.
Despite the need for a repair business and support for ag-related businesses in the county’s comprehensive plan, BZA members found that the business could be injurious to the health and safety of the community and that there was nothing particular about the property to impact their decision.
King also had requested a variance to allow a sign closer to the center of Manning Road than permitted. However, after his initial petition was denied, he withdrew the second petition.
Residence approved
BZA members did approve a variance of use to permit a second residential dwelling to be built at 5773 Meek Road in Centerville.
Andy McDowell told members that the house, which would be 1,000 feet from the road, is for his daughter, who will inherit the property and take over the family farm. The new residence is planned to be two stories and 2,800 square feet.
A version of this article appeared in the March 19 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.