LEWISTON, ID -- Two Rivers Automotive owner Tim Martin has spent the last 20 years of his life as a mechanic.

The past three of those years have been spent running his own automotive shop in the LC Valley.

His shop was originally used as extra storage space for personal items, but about a year in, the vision grew.

"I decided I didn't want to work for the dealership I was working for anymore, and I want to start my own business," Martin said. "So, we contacted the county by phone, asking if we needed a license to start a business, and they responded with 'no'. Well, I assumed we're in the county and we can start a business without a license, so let's get started."

From there, Martin formed an LLC with the state and opened its doors for business.

Two Rivers Automotive was thriving and working on cars from all over the valley and beyond, but this came to a halt when Martin said he received a letter in the mail just a few months ago.

"This past May, about three years after we got started, we got a letter from the county that said we were out of compliance with our zone," Martin said.

Martin and his business are located in the F-2 zone, which is a transitional agricultural zone.

While several different kinds of businesses are allowed to operate there, an auto shop is not one of them.

"The head of the zoning department got a hold of us and asked if we could come in to talk about our issue," Martin said. "We were basically given two options: One, which was close, or two, do a text amendment to add auto service as a conditional use for the F-2 zone."

Martin went with option two and decided not to close his business.

From there, he got help from a land use attorney.

"We put in our application on the fifth with that packet, which also included letters of support from all my neighbors around me," Martin said.

The packet will be reviewed at the Nez Perce County Planning and Zoning meeting on October 21st at the new courthouse.

Martin is thankful for support -- but doesn't want residents to be angry with the decision makers in this case.

"Not being combative or not looking down upon the county or city or anything of that sort because this is not their issue," Martin said. "They are enforcing the zoning issues that are already there. I was out of compliance."

After the planning and zoning meeting on Oct. 21st, Martin said they will also be meeting with the county commissioners. That date has yet to be determined.