February 9, 2025

OTTAWA — Franklin County commissioners rezoned an auto and RV repair shop on the west edge of Wellsville Wednesday. Commissioners changed the zoning be changed from a rural residential category to a commercial zone, and requested a special use permit that allows the repair shop. The building has violated the county’s zoning rules for several years but county planning director Larry Walrod told commissioners that the new owner, Rob Stewart, wants to bring the building into compliance with the zoning rules and building code. The building was originally built for farm purposes, which exempted it from county planning and building codes, Walrod said. But over the years, the building changed to commercial use, which put it into violation of the county rules. A succession of owners made it difficult for the county to force compliance, he said. Walrod said the owner has contacted the city of Wellsville about being annexed and although the city is providing sewer service to the business, the city has been reluctant to annex the site, which Walrod said he found puzzling. Neighbors have had no objection to the change in the zoning, he said.
Monday, Oct. 15, 3 p.m.

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