The Dorr Township Planning Commission Tuesday evening approved a special use permit request by James and Diane Switzer for placement of a pole barn in front of their house on 138th Avenue.

Local rules prohibit placing an accessory building in front of a house, but the Switzers indicated they cannot put it in back of their home because it’s too close to a hill. Thus, they had to seek a special use permit for 28- by 36-foot barn, which will be about 100 feet from the road.

“Basically it’s an idea spot in front,” Jim Switzer explained. “In back of the house there’s a big hill so it’s not buildable back there.”

The Switzers were the only people who attended the meeting and they produced one letter of support from a neighbor.

“He’s far enough from the road and far enough from his neighbors so as not to cause a problem,” said Planning Commission Chairman Bob Wagner.

The commission approved the request on a 7-0 vote.