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Commissioners ask staff to review quarry regulations after constituent complaints
Summary
Commissioners directed planning staff to review quarry regulations and whether the county can further restrict quarry siting, noting current zoning already requires rezoning to a community facilities (CFP) designation and that outright bans on legal businesses may be impermissible under precedent.
Commissioners asked planning staff to review existing quarry regulation after repeated public emails opposing quarries and to report back with options for strengthening the county’s rules.
“Can we just ban rock quarries altogether?” Commissioner Shaver asked during the Aug. 4 meeting. Commissioners noted past legal guidance that a local government cannot ban an otherwise lawful business but can regulate and zone where such uses may occur. One commissioner observed that under current zoning rules a quarry would require rezoning to a community facilities (CFP) designation and a supermajority vote, making new quarries difficult to approve.
Commissioners asked staff (Jim) to examine what additional regulatory options are available and to propose language that could “strengthen up our quarry regulations more than we have them now.” There was no formal motion or ordinance change at the meeting; the request was for staff review and options.
Why it matters: residents have submitted opposition to proposed quarries, and the commission’s guidance will determine whether staff prepares stricter siting or buffering standards or pursues other zoning or regulatory changes.
What happens next: staff will review legal limits and zoning code provisions and return with options for the commission to consider in a future meeting.
