[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6171566,"mediaKeyId","5393942-6a6b7e81617d59c2a7692c9c9cb4e297","parentId",5393942,"title","Board of Adjustment denies variance for Albany County electronic message sign at courthouse","audioSeconds",2450,"startMs",2671000,"endMs",5121000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393942-6a6b7e81617d59c2a7692c9c9cb4e297&start=2671&end=5121","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393942-6a6b7e81617d59c2a7692c9c9cb4e297/thumbnail_2671000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6171566/Wyoming/Board-of-Adjustment-denies-variance-for-Albany-County-electronic-message-sign-at-courthouse","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171566-e1f7375b110a5732374c2680205a94b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178726&Signature=GOQaM1tL86XNivnVrsiFLgJPda47kI9fD3BL-ivAaywKUThJzxva5kGdObzrz3uDKs-MpJocuIQVSFTtc~9bJ24GacJD6XpEYMDNNQO08dHIaZULwzc6yqy00bw9yfeRHKqtaS-LwKPXCNeJ1xiiiOAtMSAdLGfXomdBoGTDbRQpm~D5Hlhr5ve-r20H5aggnSg3v93UE90D-Idk7ZtQpYIfVCuwPk9RQCIz-ddq6memH1yuPAIPLnnJm6-KhiKeIYQt0jAQD8Y400hyh~ZHoVokBH3hdYymAJxpHkPAcOn0p8WNQ4gyxJeHWNp5ZKKD7yj1xmAhnEe4IWALVo-8IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Laramie MY","date","2025-07-15T15:03:08Z","article","The Albany County request to place an electronic message center (EMC) on the county courthouse lawn was denied by the Board of Adjustment in a 5‑0 vote with one recusal and one absence.

Staff summarized the application as a variance request because EMCs are not permitted by right in the downtown commercial (DC) zoning district. Staff also noted the board must secure a majority of the full body (four affirmative votes) to grant a variance. The applicant presented three sign options: the originally requested approximately 70‑square‑foot EMC and two smaller alternatives each roughly 65 square feet with proposed structure heights of about 7.5 feet and 6 feet 4 inches above the planter, respectively.

Jake, the county’s applicant representative and county engineer, said the county had submitted smaller alternatives after the commission’s earlier review but would maintain the original request absent direction. He also said the project was tied to an approved grant and that staff intended to use awarded funds before the grant deadline.

Several commissioners raised safety and precedent concerns. Commissioner Donald questioned how effective EMCs are compared with other outreach methods; Joseph and Chris expressed concern about setting a local precedent and whether the variance would be defensible if other downtown properties applied for similar signs. One commissioner explicitly raised public‑safety concerns about sightlines, noting mature cottonwood trees and the sign’s proximity to intersections could create visual distraction for westbound traffic. Staff responded that similar signs exist in tree‑lined locations elsewhere and that the county location borders a business zoning district where such signs would be allowed by right.

Commissioners also discussed historic‑character considerations. Staff said the sign would not be affixed to or alter the historic courthouse structure and that any required state historic preservation review (SHPO) would be addressed, but some commissioners said a modern EMC still altered the visual character of the courthouse lawn.

A motion to approve the variance as submitted was on the floor, was seconded, and was then put to roll call. The roll call recorded five “no” votes, one recusal (Schneider) and one absence (Pacino); the variance failed.

The applicant may choose to pursue a different site, submit a new application reflecting smaller scale or different siting, or explore non‑variance locations where EMCs are permitted. Staff noted that future applications will be evaluated on a site‑by‑site basis and that approval in one case would not automatically bind future decisions absent a judicial precedent established through the courts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Laramie Planning Commission Meeting - July 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of Adjustment denied a variance request from Albany County to install a large electronic message center (EMC) on the courthouse property. The board cited zoning limits, public‑safety and historic‑character concerns and a lack of required majority votes for the variance.","taxTitle","Laramie City Council, Laramie City, Albany County, Wyoming","taxId",68475,"location","Wyoming","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6171570,"Planning commission backs North Fourth Street urban renewal plan, setting up 25‑year TIF district",1504,816000,2320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393942-6a6b7e81617d59c2a7692c9c9cb4e297&start=816&end=2320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393942-6a6b7e81617d59c2a7692c9c9cb4e297/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6171570/Wyoming/Planning-commission-backs-North-Fourth-Street-urban-renewal-plan-setting-up-25year-TIF-district","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171570-969352b61aa38fc202b763b250b041a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178726&Signature=cHDP0DgnRRgtbc800rxiwJdAbGBTAFQqsFBpRM~0jQR2IOmABwv~zGT0qqzH5t7rQcZwQ-y3QtGZmz5svz53VHtApNX2bwnRhpAg5x8djCGkH1vJE2bm1MRFG2j6R4ke3-XWzxXio~1mB3iNoSK54c-whtKwn67kNQznKasEcrZdE8EQEJYd76qPq3asqgb24hhHkoNLnoxbxqQ21bf3UdvWYvSoQR1dEavSgxVKKWMmvqtA~fOucJSG3YWs4Xz07fO1M11DcZKpWnPmG1gn3wg73aDHn-0ZFnXhi1CquWc2pc-yMSlIfEHzsCa3875x9tZ4Avxqd377pnFb07QM~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Laramie Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend City Council approve Resolution 2025‑05 establishing the North Fourth Street urban renewal plan and project and a 25‑year tax‑increment financing (TIF) arrangement.

Todd (city presenter) told commissioners the Urban Renewal Agency created the plan to fund public‑realm and infrastructure improvements intended to spur redevelopment in the North Fourth Street area. “The Urban Renewal Agency allows for…different opportunities for tools to try to spur development. For this particular one, we’re focusing on tax increment financing,” he said, and described the eligible uses and boundaries.

The initial project focuses on the city‑owned property on North Fourth Street but the plan boundary was expanded during public outreach to include adjacent commercial parcels that volunteered to participate: the back half of the lot with Rocky Mountain Car Wash, the commercial trailer park, the former Thunderbird Motel (now owned by the Laramie Soup Kitchen), Sunbelt Rentals and the former Fortman Supply. Todd said inclusion in the plan does not automatically change property taxes for existing owners; tax increment financing uses growth in assessed value after redevelopment to fund improvements.

Planned uses in the plan and project include street reconstruction, curb and gutter and sidewalk repair, sewer and stormwater work, relocation of private utilities, construction of detention facilities, remediation of identified environmental contamination (Phase II work was under way), demolition or rehabilitation of derelict structures, and park or plaza improvements. Staff explained the district’s TIF term was set at 25 years to give a longer runway to capture increment while multifamily or mixed‑use projects take time to secure funding and move through development cycles.

Todd said staff intentionally excluded single‑family residential parcels from the TIF district because the state’s recent and pending property‑tax changes could lower the TIF base and reduce projected increment; staff recommended including primarily commercial properties to preserve the district base. He emphasized any project that would displace residents must include required relocation assistance under urban renewal law.

Staff described robust public outreach: a well‑attended public meeting at the north Fourth Street facility (about 60 participants) and a follow‑up survey that showed public interest in multifamily housing, pedestrian plazas, live‑work units, townhomes and office space. The Urban Renewal Agency approved the initiative on June 26, 2025. The commission’s positive recommendation will be transmitted to City Council, with required legal notices and a council hearing anticipated in August.

Commissioners asked about stormwater and drainage at LaBonnie Park, potential new animal control facilities, environmental testing at low‑lying pond areas and the schedule for development; staff said Phase II environmental work was underway, stormwater mitigation could be funded by TIF, and the developer’s timeline depends on finance awards (including low‑income housing tax credits). A motion to recommend approval was moved and seconded and the resolution passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff will publish required notices and forward the resolution and plan to City Council for a hearing and final action.","The planning commission unanimously recommended City Council approve the North Fourth Street urban renewal plan and project, which uses tax‑increment financing over a 25‑year horizon to fund streets, stormwater, demolition and possible remediation within a defined district that includes several commercial properties.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6171573,"Planning commission recommends city adopt 2024 ICC code updates to City Code",212,239000,451000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393942-6a6b7e81617d59c2a7692c9c9cb4e297&start=239&end=451","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393942-6a6b7e81617d59c2a7692c9c9cb4e297/thumbnail_239000.jpg","/articles/6171573/Wyoming/Planning-commission-recommends-city-adopt-2024-ICC-code-updates-to-City-Code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171573-31a69b5c90b140cebf000d5e6dafaa99/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178726&Signature=mtusBP74qNoRZ0pL2GKiKs8m8WPqQu82~ajfbiOeV6c4cuM3X6jy9~-x7CPiE9k9RJPMWd2pw~YkvToNLNUuofUi8jobT0KPBO0o19oDvs6TIc4T4~XBkYRZT79Xc8E6pWggS3pdKv9t9gPPBURZwSRHJSLn~b3jNsnC3YCJ2DNiXXcfVVGQYBoSYZxVhAhYqDBCusqlRlch-C~11KrFfvM4u5bYG-20o2fdzWCqrnSWJWXUHeucXGamDpFkstRgW7GcrfERlvtEP2mqba0nG3v101Nr32lf0Nk6qVnzWls8YBGCi-9AkySLz9GM19J3bZfqiRzKa6MuBphMQ8wsMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Laramie Planning Commission on a unanimous vote recommended that City Council amend LMC Title 15 to reflect updates in the 2024 International Code Council (ICC) cycle.

The changes, described by Lucas Witt, the city’s chief building official, adjust language in Section 15.24 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) so city rules match the statewide code cycle and to clarify local administration. “The whole reason we’re here…is the TA‑25‑02, which is the text amendment updates to section 15.24 of the UDC,” Witt said, noting the city updates after the state adopts new codes every three years.

Witt told commissioners a set of mostly clerical clarifications and a few substantive edits are included. Among the items he highlighted: replacing a cross‑reference to the city’s board of appeals so code citations point to local procedures; reinstating the purple primer requirement for solvent‑cement joints on pipe segments from private buildings to city hookups so inspectors have a visible verification method for buried joints; and establishing explicit pressure‑test values for plumbing piping (Witt said staff proposes a uniform 15‑pound test for most piping, 60 pounds for welded pipe) to reduce uncertainty between plumbing contractors and utility recommendations. Witt also noted updates that change the referenced air‑freezing index and a site class reference for seismic design from a clerical mismatch rather than a policy change.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about how the primer requirement would be enforced, whether the air‑freezing index would increase construction costs, and how the pressure‑test standards interact with local utility recommendations. Witt said the purple primer requirement is limited to the house‑to‑city‑connection joints because the city does not air‑test those buried segments and primer provides a practical verification without requiring workers to enter deep trenches. On the air‑freezing index and seismic site class references, Witt characterized those as clerical updates to match the current ICC language and said they should not change typical frost depth or design procedures for local foundations.

No public comments were offered. A commissioner moved to recommend City Council approve the amendments as drafted; Commissioner Janice seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The planning commission’s recommendation will go to City Council; staff noted the item is slated for a City Council hearing provided council accepts the recommendation and notices are published.","The City of Laramie planning commission voted unanimously to recommend city council adopt text amendments updating Title 15 of the Laramie Municipal Code to align with the 2024 International Code Council cycle. Staff said the changes clarify plumbing primer rules, pressure‑testing requirements and references to local appeals procedures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board of Adjustment denies variance for Albany County electronic message sign at courthouse

Planning commission backs North Fourth Street urban renewal plan, setting up 25‑year TIF district

Planning commission recommends city adopt 2024 ICC code updates to City Code