A local homestead business is now able to expand after restrictions on its previous rezoning were removed.
In 2023, Madison County Supervisors approved a request by Shenandoah Homestead Supply owner Josh Hege to rezone approximately 8.9 acres of a 13.3 acre parcel from R-1 residential to B-1 general business. The property, located on N. Seminole Trail in Brightwood, was to be used for a retail establishment for the mainly online business which offers stainless steel supplies for small dairies.
Five conditions were placed on the rezoning, including limiting the property’s only by-right use to “agricultural supply store.” The design and submission of a commercial entrance and right run lane were also required before the site could be opened to the general public, the rezoned area was limited to a maximum 15,000 sq. ft. agricultural style shed with a bathroom and a septic permit was required. Also, a portion of the driveway connecting to U.S. 29 had to be paved before April.
However, Hege’s business has now changed. He said the American made glass milk bottle was a mainstay for his business, with the company selling 8,000 to 10,000 per month.
“The short story is the Chinese knocked it off,” Hege said. “There are now 20-25 copies of this thing online. It made up 80% of our revenue and is now less than 10%. We’re needing to broaden out to tackle our overhead and keep our employees employed.”
In January, Hege applied for a new rezoning to remove the limitations of the previously approved rezoning and restore the by-right uses allowed in B-1 zoning.
“The zoning before [only allowed] an agricultural supply store,” he said. “We still want that, but need to broaden out a bit and have a broader range of products.”
Hege said he was considering adding storage containers and skid steer attachments to the business’ offerings.
Building and zoning official Allen Nicholls said the rezoning aligns with the comprehensive plan which encourages business and industry growth, especially along U.S. 29.
“I feel it’s appropriate,” he said.
Planning commissioners agreed.
“Personally, I think this is probably the result of the hazards of putting a lot of conditions on a rezoning,” commissioner Steve Carpenter said.
Commissioner Pete Elliott disagreed, not with the rezoning, but with the condition of the land. He said the property isn’t in alignment with state code regarding building requirements.
The commissioners recommended the rezoning for approval to the board of supervisors 5-1 with Elliott dissenting. The supervisors approved it unanimously.
With the approval, all five of the conditions of the previous rezoning were removed.
