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Zoning board approves variance allowing gravel access for Lang 2 power site
Summary
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variance 24VA017 to allow gravel drive aisles for site preparation of the Lang 2 power generation facility, finding special circumstances and minimal public impact with stipulated dust mitigation.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment on Jan. 9 approved variance 24VA017 to allow gravel drive aisles in lieu of concrete or asphalt for site preparations tied to the Lang 2 power generation facility.
Planning staff said the variance is for access roads, drive aisles, storage yards and security barriers needed for site preparation of the future power plant, and that hard surfacing would require more than a mile of paving across an agriculturally zoned portion of the property. “The variance item before you this morning is 24VA017. This is a variance to allow gravel drive aisles in lieu of concrete or asphalt,” said Cassie Hayes, current planning.
The property lies off Deadwood Avenue North and is split between general agriculture and light industrial zoning; staff noted the eastern portion is the permitted location for a power generation facility. Hayes said the agricultural acreage and the project’s low expected traffic support allowing gravel drives and that the applicant agreed to apply a dust palliative if the variance is approved.
John Van Beek, representing the applicant, said the existing Lang 1 facility currently uses gravel aisles and that the expansion will create a separate access off Debit Avenue North. Commissioners said the site is set back from Deadwood Avenue and that gravel access for construction and low long‑term traffic is reasonable; they also noted that if the west/agricultural portion is later developed the city will require the south access road to be built to street standards at that time.
Commissioner Haven moved to approve the variance with the staff stipulations and an added finding that the variance is granted “due to the special circumstances and minimum adjustment”; the motion carried on a voice vote. The action allows the applicant to proceed with the gravel drive aisles for site preparation under the conditions noted in staff’s report.
The board’s approval applies only to the materials for the access drives described in the variance request; any future development of the reserve agricultural acreage that triggers a change of use or increased traffic will require compliance with city street standards.
Votes at the meeting were taken by voice; the second to the motion was not recorded by name in the public record.
