Permit For Machine Shop Ok’D

Thu., Oct. 8, 1998

Spokane County Hearing Examiner Michael Dempsey recently approved a conditional-use permit to allow a machine shop in a North Side home.

Steven Shirkey, who lives on North Smith Road, creates small machine parts in a large garage on his property. He has been working from his home, but applied for the business license so that he can deduct the cost of his machine tools from his taxes.

Though some neighbors submitted letters expressing concern for increased noise and traffic, Shirkey said during the public hearing that his insulated garage is set back far enough from neighboring property that it won’t cause a problem.

He also said he will receive no walk-up business.

“I value my privacy, too,” Shirkey said. “I’d just as well have no one know this business is here.”

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