Ohio Shop Operated for Years Without Permit, City Says

April 2, 2018
An auto repair shop in the South Park neighborhood that generated some neighborhood complaints has operated for years without the proper permit, according to the Dayton Daily News.

April 2, 2018—An auto repair shop in Dayton, Ohio, that generated some neighborhood complaints has operated for years without the proper permit, according to the Dayton Daily News.

In December, the city of Dayton issued the auto mechanic’s business at 515 Warren St. a legal notice of violation for storing inoperable motor vehicles and auto parts outdoors in a fenced-off lot.

The business was once called Matt’s Auto Repair. Business owner Matt Gregory appealed the violation, arguing the property has been used for motor vehicle repairs for many decades and should be “grandfathered in.”

But Dayton Zoning Administrator Carl Daugherty said staff research found that the business does not have a certificate of occupancy for automobile repair.

He said the property’s occupancy certificate was modified in the 1980s to automobile clean up and sales, which is not the same as auto repair or a junkyard. Auto clean up could mean detailing and other services.

“It stopped being a legal auto repair around 1987,” Daugherty said.

It’s unclear what may happen to Gregory’s shop, but he’s worried he’ll be put out of business.

“I’ve run a business and I’m trying to continue to run a business,” Gregory said. “I’ve put nine years of blood, sweat and tears into the property.”

Sponsored Recommendations

Valvoline Partner Solutions

We arm you with products that build trust, tools that unlock productivity, and training that drives business performance, so you feel confident in where your...

Grow the business you know

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Solutions that drive results

Connect with Valvoline experts to increase operational efficiency and customer loyalty – from Valvoline-funded promotions to hands-on training, we’re here to...

Free Resources for Shops Like Yours

View insights, research and solutions curated specifically for shops like yours.