Washington County board approves multiple rezoning and special‑exception requests

Washington County supervisors on March 12 approved a series of land‑use actions: two rezoning requests and two special‑exception permits, all of which the Planning Commission had recommended for approval.

The Board rezoned a parcel (Tax Map 123‑A‑107) near 19640 Tuckaway Drive from A‑2 Agricultural to B‑2 Business General to allow the new owner, previously an applicant, to site offices and equipment storage for a construction business; the Planning Commission had recommended the change 7‑0 and the Board approved the measure unanimously.

The Board also rezoned a roughly 2.25‑acre parcel at 19061 Tandy Drive from B‑2 to A‑2 so a family could rebuild a residence on a previously residential lot; that request likewise carried the Planning Commission recommendation and was approved.

Two special exceptions were also granted. The first authorizes an expansion of an existing retail and agricultural repair operation at 19852 Old Jeff Seward Highway (RSM Properties/Crossroads Farm Supply); staff said the site has long‑standing commercial use and the Planning Commission recommended a 7‑0 approval. Board members asked whether the permit would limit repairs to agricultural equipment; staff responded that a special exception could permit broader repair activity and that expectation should be in the public record.

A requested special exception for a new Live Edge Lumber Supply retail and kiln‑drying operation across from 25453 Hillman Highway passed with a recorded six‑yes and one abstention after Supervisor Bauer recused himself from discussion because of an ownership interest. Applicant Max Morris described a retail lumber yard and kiln services and said he would not expand sawmill operations beyond what he currently operates across the road.

All actions were taken after public hearings with no speakers in opposition; the Planning Commission had no speakers for these items during its hearings and recommended approval in each case.