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Story County advances zoning text amendment to allow concrete and asphalt recycling in heavy‑industrial district
Summary
The Story County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 11 approved first consideration of Ordinance No. 323, a text amendment to the Story County Code that would allow the crushing and stockpiling of concrete and asphalt in the county’s Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning district subject to new site standards.
The Story County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 11 approved first consideration of Ordinance No. 323, a text amendment to the Story County Code that would allow the crushing and stockpiling of concrete and asphalt in the county’s Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning district subject to new site standards.
The amendment was proposed after an applicant with an existing site off South Dayton requested an explicit, by‑right zoning allowance for concrete and asphalt recycling rather than requiring repeated conditional‑use permits. Planning staff presented the change, explained staff edits and recommended approval, and the Planning and Zoning Commission previously recommended the amendment 5‑0.
The board’s version of the text adds a short definition and four site standards: a minimum lot size of 15 net acres; crushers must be located at least 1,000 feet from any existing dwelling that predates the use; crusher operations must be limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and applicants must submit plans for dust suppression and noise barriers subject to approval by the Planning and Development Director.
County planning staff said the 15‑acre minimum was chosen to make it easier for applicants to site crushers and meet the 1,000‑foot buffer from existing dwellings while providing space for stockpiling and heavy equipment. Staff also said the language about dust suppression and noise barriers originated in the applicant’s submission and was retained in the proposed ordinance; the county attorney’s office made minor clarifying edits to match county drafting style.
The board opened and closed the public hearing with no public comments. After discussion the board moved to approve Ordinance No. 323 on first consideration and set second consideration for Feb. 18, 2025. The motion passed on the board’s roll call.
Why it matters: the change creates an explicit zoning path for concrete and asphalt recycling in the county’s heavy industrial areas, potentially reducing the need for repeated conditional‑use approvals for sites that meet the new standards. Supporters said the change clarifies county rules; opponents and nuisance concerns were addressed in the adopted operational limits and required mitigation plans.
What’s next: the board will take second consideration on Feb. 18; if adopted a final ordinance will amend Chapter 86 of the Story County Code of Ordinances as described.
