Zoning board grants permit

A hobby that has become a home business will be able to start advertising.

Portland Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday approved John Hankins for a Type II Home Occupation Permit at his house on the west side of the city. He previously had a Type I Home Occupation Permit.

Hankins, who grew up in Portland and moved back from Texas in July, explained to the board that he started a hobby with laser engraving to create a variety of personalized items. He showed the board a variety of items he’s made, from a barrel top for a wedding, plaques, golf balls, cutting boards, license plates and tumblers.

He said he started in a 12-foot by 32-foot shed and has since expanded to the 32-foot by 40-foot shop at the home he bought at 1007 W. Arch St.

He sought the change to a Type II Home Occupation to allow him to begin advertising for his home business.

“It’s all been by word of mouth,” said Hankins, whose full time job is as a police officer for IU Health Jay. “I stay fairly busy. At this point, I want to take it to the next level. I want to do some advertising. …

“I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.”

The change also allows him to have a sign for the business on his property and to have an employee. (He said he does not plan to have either at this time, but may in the future.)

Jay/Portland Building and Planning assistant director Pati McLaughlin read a letter from director John Hemmelgarn, who was unable to attend the meeting. It indicated that Hankins met all of the requirements and recommended approval of the permit.

Hankins noted that he does a lot of business online and does not plan to have customers in his shop.

Board of Zoning Appeals members Lee Newman, Susie Schutz, Aaron Loy and Larry Petro, absent Kyle Cook, voted unanimously to approve Hankins’ permit request.