Story County appoints Leslie Day as new county planner amid building code challenges

The Story County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on April 22, 2025, addressing several key issues, including personnel changes, building code enforcement, and upcoming community events.

One of the significant announcements was the appointment of Leslie Day as the new county planner for Story County. The board also noted an opening for an administrative assistant, with the hiring process expected to begin soon.

A major topic of discussion was the enforcement of building codes and permits. Supervisors expressed concerns about individual landowners constructing buildings without the necessary permits. Many residents reportedly believe they can bypass regulations, leading to an increase in enforcement cases. The board discussed the challenges of educating the public about these requirements and the need for more proactive measures to prevent violations. Suggestions included mass mailings and social media outreach to inform residents about the importance of obtaining permits before construction.

The board identified common violations, including building without permits, floodplain violations, and conditional use permits. They emphasized the need for better communication with residents to reduce the number of enforcement cases and encourage compliance with regulations.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting included updates on upcoming events, such as a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Amber Recovery facility and various committee meetings throughout the week.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to improving community awareness of building regulations and ensuring compliance to maintain safety and order in Story County.