Marshall County BZA approves home workshop for Genesis Machine with noise-mitigation condition and employee cap

The Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 18 approved a special-use permit for Genesis Machine and Design Co., allowing a 25-by-50 home workshop at 2012 7th Road in Bourbon with conditions to reduce noise and limit expansion.

Staff told the board the building exists on the property, is under the zoning square-footage maximum for a home workshop, and recommended approval consistent with the county ordinance and comprehensive plan. Applicant Luke Helmuth said the single-member LLC, run by him and his wife from a 1,250-square-foot building, supplies precision metal parts to local manufacturers and currently has no employees.

Why it mattered: a nearby neighbor submitted a detailed written objection citing generator noise, increased truck traffic and concern about creeping industrialization of A-1 farmland. The board added a stipulation requiring the applicant to construct a sound barrier around the generator and amended the motion to allow up to four employees; the applicant must return to the board for any additional expansion or employee increases.

The opposition letter, read into the record by staff, said the neighbor heard diesel generators ‘‘running 8 to 14 hours a day’’ and urged the board to preserve the rural character and keep manufacturing in industrial parks. The letter’s author said, ‘‘I don't want to hear a diesel generator running 8 to 14 hours a day, 6 days a week, making and disturbing the area and my peace and quiet.’’

Helmuth told the board his generator is housed inside a small barn and ‘‘has a standard muffler.’’ After being informed of the neighbor’s concerns, he said he would ‘‘do whatever I can if noise is a problem’’ and agreed to research muffling and other mitigation options.

Board member Speaker 4 moved to approve the special use following staff findings and added a condition requiring a sound barrier; the motion was amended to permit up to four employees. The board voted in favor of the motion; members recorded affirmative votes in sequence during the roll-call vote. The board emphasized the applicant must return for approval of any building enlargement or changes that increase the operation beyond the conditions set tonight.

The approval will allow Helmuth to continue operating Genesis Machine and Design Co. at the stated location under the stated conditions. The board noted it will expect adherence to the stipulations and that any evidence of expanded activity beyond the permit terms would require further review.