The Butler Township zoning hearing board approved a special exception for a proposed O'Reilly Auto Parts store on New Castle Road.

The exception was granted Wednesday for two lots across the street from the entrance to Butler High School, said Greg Haughey, board chairman.

Zoning officer Jesse Hines said the board approved a special exception for a comparable use not explicitly listed, which O'Reilly requested because an auto parts store is not listed in the zoning ordinance as a use for commercially zoned property.

Each lot has a vacant building and both are for sale. One building was an auto parts store and the other was a dentist's office, he said.

O'Reilly's next step would be to submit lot consolidation and land development plans to the planning commission, which would make a recommendation for approval or rejection to the township commissioners.

It is unlikely that those plans can be prepared in time for the planning commission's April 2 meeting, but they could be ready for the May 7 meeting, Hines said.