During the most recent regular meeting of the Sheridan County Commissioners, the board voted to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the Morgan Machine Shop. The application, submitted by Ryan and Jessica Morgan, seeks permission to construct and operate a small‑scale machine shop on an existing 44‑plus‑acre parcel located at 373 Bagel Thru, County Road 1231.
Project details
The proposed facility would be a single‑story building measuring 36 feet by 56 feet. It would sit on approximately one and a half acres of the larger parcel, while the remainder of the land would continue to be used for agricultural purposes and a single‑family dwelling. The shop’s primary purpose is to manufacture small parts, a need identified by the applicants as fitting the existing land use.
According to County Planner Mark Reid, the application includes a modest staffing plan, mentioning one or two employees. Deliveries are expected to be handled by the owners or by standard delivery services such as UPS and FedEx. Operating hours are set for weekdays only, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation
The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the proposal and recommended approval, attaching a few minor conditions to ensure compatibility with the surrounding agricultural zone. The commission’s recommendation focused on preserving the rural character of the area while allowing modest industrial activity that does not disrupt neighboring properties.
Public hearing and commission vote
No comments were offered during the public hearing portion of the meeting. After brief discussion among the commissioners, the board voted in favor of the permit. The approval moves the Morgan Machine Shop project forward, allowing construction to begin pending any final compliance steps.
Implications for the community
The new shop is expected to provide a limited number of local jobs and add a small manufacturing presence to the county’s agricultural landscape. By keeping the operation’s footprint modest and restricting hours to standard business days, the project aims to balance economic development with the preservation of the county’s rural lifestyle.
County officials emphasized that the conditional use permit process ensures that any new development aligns with Sheridan County’s long‑term planning goals. The approval reflects the commission’s commitment to supporting responsible growth while maintaining the values that make the county a strong, family‑oriented community.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
