Landowner tells supervisors county borrow-pit rules blocked his driveway project; board agrees to follow up

Landowner Bruce Sorensen told the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors that county zoning rules stopped a contractor from removing dirt from his property to create driveway access and that he wants the project restarted.

Sorensen, who described the property as acreage near Lawton, said county staff determined the excavation qualified as a borrow pit because the removed soil would not be reused on the same parcel. He asked the board for help after he said the work was halted by zoning staff, raising costs for his contractor and leaving a partly completed site that can trap snow.

Supervisors said they had received an email from zoning staff and that County staff, including the county engineer and zoning administrator, would review the issue. Board members noted the county's 2008 ordinance distinguishing borrow pits and agricultural exemptions and discussed that farmers sometimes are permitted to move fill on land used for agricultural purposes, while other cases require different approvals.

Supervisor comments said the board would follow up with the zoning office and explore possible pathways, including whether an agricultural exemption applies or whether a conditional-use approach could be developed. No formal action was taken Tuesday; supervisors instructed staff to consult with zoning and return with options.

"I just don't think it's totally unfair. It's not a borrow pit," Sorensen said during public comment, urging the board to consider a pathway that allows safe access while preserving regulatory oversight.

Board members expressed concern about mid-project exposed dirt and asked staff to advise on a path forward that balances development needs, safety and zoning rules.