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Planning commission backs snow‑storage code text amendment, sends proposal to county commission
Summary
Morgan County Planning Commission on May 8 unanimously recommended that the county commission adopt a code amendment establishing design standards, removal options and penalties for snow storage in residential, commercial and industrial zones.
The Morgan County Planning Commission on May 8 voted unanimously to recommend the county commission adopt a code text amendment establishing snow‑storage design standards for commercial, residential and industrial zones.
Staff said the new language sets off‑site removal options, seasonal limits, indemnification and a penalty section, and establishes percentage‑based storage calculations for site plans. The amendment will go to the county commission for final action.
Josh, Morgan County zoning staff, who presented the draft, said, “About a year and a half ago, staff was directed to write a snow storage ordinance... I believe I've done a pretty good job providing for, the design standards, good places for the snow storage to be located as well as places to avoid.” He described provisions allowing removal of snow off‑site, limits on winter season storage, and a superseding clause to clarify precedence within county code.
Commission discussion focused on the percentages used to calculate storage on site. Josh said the draft uses 30 percent for a category discussed in the draft and 25 percent for other categories, and that the numbers were chosen after consultation with the county attorney and county engineer: “We feel that, the 30%, 25, and 25 are are reasonable numbers, at least to start. In the future, if there's issues... then we can come back and raise it.”
Commissioners asked about enforcement; Josh said engineers will provide calculations on site plans and subdivisions, and that retention basins with oil‑water separators are acceptable locations for snow storage. He also said the requirement does not reduce the code's parking minimums: “They still have to provide a certain number of stalls per dwelling unit... It's 2 parking stalls per unit. They're gonna have to provide an area in their development that doesn't diminish the parking but provides for the snow storage.”
Member King moved to recommend approval to the county commission based on findings in the memorandum dated May 8, 2025; member Wilson seconded. The commission recorded the vote as unanimous.
There were no public speakers at the amendment's public hearing. The item will advance to the county commission for a final decision.
