The Williams County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a zone change to the rural commercial district and a conditional use permit to operate a propane business on an approximately 5-acre parcel adjacent to U.S. Highway 2 in East Fork Township. The applicant seeks to place a 30,000-gallon propane storage tank on the site, and the township recommended approval.

The change matters because it would allow on-site bulk propane storage and staging for distribution in the area; the commission approved the request with staff comments but one commissioner voted against the motion during roll call.

Staff explained the property is currently rural residential and that final approval will require the applicant to obtain North Dakota Department of Transportation sign-off and likely to improve dilapidated approaches to the highway for commercial use. The applicant’s site plan showed a 100-foot setback from the highway, but staff advised the tank will be required to be at least 133 feet from the highway easement and also must satisfy additional fire-inspection setbacks from property lines and existing buildings. The applicant told the commission the operation is expected to focus on bulk truck staging and house-tank service; the applicant said, “Welcome to Williston. Home of Roughrider Propane,” and confirmed no anhydrous ammonia would be stored.

Nearby landowner Terry Ness asked about proximity to the highway and whether the business would sell small cylinders; the applicant answered the operation would be primarily bulk staging for delivery. The commission moved to approve with staff comments; roll call later showed five votes in favor and one opposed (Dan voted no). The motion carried and the applicant must complete DOT, fire-safety and bulk-fuel permitting processes before operation.

Clarifying details recorded at the hearing: the tank size proposed is 30,000 gallons; the parcel sought to be rezoned is approximately 5 acres; final setback requirements and fire-inspection distances will be determined during permitting; DOT approval of improved approaches is required for commercial operation. The commission’s approval was explicit and conditioned only by staff comments and the normal permitting processes.