Barton County commissioners Wednesday morning hailed the resolution of Larry and Sheree Marshall’s conditional use permit and zoning requests to operate an auto salvage-towing business west of Great Bend as one of the county’s proudest moments from last year.
“It was it was a tough year last year for all of us, everyone at the county level,” said Environmental Manager Judy Goreham of what was a long and emotional process. “And I really feel like this was a success story.”
The commission was holding the annual review of Marshall Towing’s zoning amendment and permit. There is an annual requirement for review of all applicable licenses, compliance and testing to continue this approval.
“Last year, on this day, the county commissioners approved the resolution for Larry Marshall to have his land rezoned, and a conditional use permit to have to salvage storage facility out there southwest of the airport,” Goreham said. On March 9, 2022, the commission approved both applications for the Marshalls at 514 SW 20 Road.
“This was one of the resolutions where we had a laundry list of conditions,” she said. In all, there were nine he had to meet within 180 days, which he did.
The last of these was the annual review to receive approval for another year.
His annual application requirements will vary from year to year, she said. This year he had to provide copies of his licenses, salvage certificate and proof of bonding, and he has complied.
Last Wednesday, Mark Cooper from her office drove by the property. “It was in tip-top shape. Everything about the requirements were good.”
“I would like to commend you, your office, the Planning and Zoning Board, the neighbors, Larry and Sheree Marshall, and the commissioners for all working together on a solution,” said commission Chairman Shawn Hutchinson, District 3. This was a difficult case that took much compromise and discussion to resolve.
As for the success, “it’s one of the many we’ve had,” Hutchinson said. “This one is pretty near and dear to me.”
Background
On Feb. 8, 2022, the Planning Commission held a courthouse public hearing to consider the request. Marshall sought to change the zoning from residential to industrial so he could store abandoned vehicles for his towing business.
The proceeding was packed and heated with the overwhelming public input the area residents being against the rezoning. They didn’t want to live next to a salvage yard, and feared declining property values and vermin infestations.
Those comments, coupled with Goreham’s frustration with Marshall over his years operating a salvage business at the site without the proper permits, led to the Planning Commission’s decision to deny the request.
It was also the topic of a County Commission study session on Feb. 16, 2022. Goreham spoke of her ongoing problems and those living in the vicinity vocally addressed their concerns.
That was followed by the vote on Feb. 23 where the county Commission voted to kicked the rezoning plea back to the Planning Commission in what county commissioners called the most difficult issue they’ve faced in years.
The Planning Commission on March 8, 2022, recommended the permit be approved. The County Commission approved it the next day.
