The Allen County Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday granted permission for a pallet-assembly business to reopen after it was destroyed in an August fire.

The board gave unanimous approval for Joseph Lengacher to operate the business, Black Creek Hardwoods, which has existed for several years on Grabill Road.

A fire caused nearly $1 million in damage by burning a 300-foot sawmill behind Lengacher's home. He told the board the new facility will not have a sawmill, and he will buy unprocessed lumber to build pallets. According to the county, the new building is smaller than the former one.

The business is expected to have five employees, including Lengacher, and operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, and from 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays as needed.

No resident spoke against the project.