County to allow race tracks as Ag 1 special exceptions

The Putnam County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to allow race tracks as a special exception in land zoned as Agricultural 1.

The passage of the matter does not automatically allow race tracks and off-road facilities in such areas.

Instead, as a special exception, it is a use for the land that can be granted by the county Board of Zoning Appeals on a case-by-case basis.

The county passed a similar regulation regarding auto repair shops in 2013.

This is not the first time the issue of race tracks in Ag 1 has come before the commissioners. In November 2012, the same issue was raised, but the commissioners rejected it.

In both cases, the Putnam County Planning Commission gave its approval to the measure.

In 2012, the issue was being pursued by Jeff Cantonwine, who had already been running such races on his land on County Road 50 North, just north of Big Walnut Creek in Greencastle Township.

Neighbor Mark Smith fought the measure every step of the way, with the commissioners ultimately ruling against the proposal as much for county liability issues as anything else.

In that case, the races crossed county roads and through county culverts.

Smith was back again on Monday, although the land in question this time is near Baker's Camp Covered Bridge in Floyd Township.

Land owner Kevin Green has been running the races for several years, unaware that it was not an allowed use in an Ag 1 district.

He told the commissioners he was now trying to go through the proper channels in order to continue hosting the events.

While not ruling on this specific case, but the special exception rule overall, the commissioners did question possible liability issues similar to those in the previous case.

They were assured there are none. All racing is confined to Green's land, with no roads or streams crossed.

Commissioner David Berry made the motion for approval, expressing his faith in the BZA to rule on specific cases.

Max Watts seconded the motion, and President Don Walton made it unanimous.

As a special exception, any site proposed for such an exception is required to go before the BZA for approval.

Not only does the BZA have the power to approve or deny such requests, the board may also place as many restrictions on such a use as members feel necessary.

Green is hopeful the exception will be granted at the March 31 BZA meeting, as he has races scheduled for April 4 and 5.

However, BZA President Lora Scott assured the commissioners that her board would not rush because of someone else's deadline.

She said a hearing would take place, with all interested parties having a chance to speak.

"All of those people will be heard," Scott said. "It can't be rushed because of someone else's timeline."