Albany County planning commissioners on Oct. 8 recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve the Point North Subdivision preliminary plat (SD-03-25), a proposed 15‑lot industrial subdivision on a 71.13‑acre parcel, with a condition that the developer submit perimeter-fencing plans required under WY statute or provide consenting adjacent landowner waivers.

Planning staff summarized reviews: the subdivision proposes 15 industrial lots averaging 4.74 acres; water and wastewater proposals are for individual wells and septic systems and a storm-drain report was submitted and reviewed by county engineers. The applicant provided proof of road access and a road-maintenance agreement for PFE Road (a county road). Staff recommended approval contingent on submission of fence plans by the Board of County Commissioners meeting.

A statutory issue arose during discussion. State law requires a subdivider to construct a perimeter fence along parts of a subdivision that border land where livestock can be lawfully run at large, unless an existing fence is present or all adjacent landowners consent to waive that requirement. Planning staff advised that the statute applies to all subdivisions and that the applicant had not yet provided fencing plans nor had all adjacent owners signed waivers. The staff recommendation therefore included either submission of fence plans or proof of adjacent-owner consent.

Commissioners and the public also discussed septic-system suitability given the site’s proximity to the Laramie River and whether industrial uses with septic systems are appropriate near river corridors. Planning staff noted that septic-system approval occurs through state DEQ review and at the building/permit stage for each lot; the subdivision review requires engineering-level information but a full DEQ permit will be required before lot development.

Several local small-business owners spoke in support of the subdivision as needed industrial space for equipment storage and trades. After discussion the commission moved to recommend approval of the preliminary plat while denying a variance request (the applicant had asked to waive the fencing requirement). The motion approved by the commission requires the applicant to submit fencing plans or adjacent-owner waivers before the Board of County Commissioners considers the final action.

The county planning department will forward the record, the staff report, agency reviews and the commission recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.