Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Fencing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council advances junkyard, salvage and towing ordinance; residents question blanket grandfathering for fences
Summary
On first reading the council approved amendments to Rawlins’ land‑use code that clarify definitions for junk/salvage/towing uses and fence requirements. An emailed commenter urged removing a blanket grandfathering provision; staff and the city attorney said enforcement interacts with state law.
The Rawlins City Council voted to approve on first reading—and to waive further reading—an ordinance that amends Title 19 to clarify definitions and uses for junk, salvage, impound and towing yards and to clarify fence requirements. Online voting closed with the motion passing 6-0.
The ordinance adds and clarifies multiple sections (listed in the ordinance text) intended to make enforcement clearer, including separate entries in the schedule of uses and cross-references to fencing standards. Staff said the rewrite is the product of multiple meetings among planning staff, the city attorney and other departments designed to resolve enforcement ambiguity.
Council members read questions they had received by email about the ordinance’s proposed grandfathering clause. An emailed comment submitted to the council said a blanket grandfather provision in section 19.40.050 would "prevent the city from requiring opaque fencing for industrial properties along major thoroughfares" and suggested removing the blanket grandfathering or narrowing it to permit only lawfully existing, permitted, and compliant fences as of the ordinance’s effective date. Council requested that staff and the city attorney consider that suggested change as the ordinance moves toward subsequent readings.
City Attorney Maderoy and staff said the schedule of uses is intended to be read side‑by‑side with the fencing section and noted state statutes (including Wyoming’s junkyard control provisions) also affect what can be required along state highways. Staff said planning and zoning reviewed the language and that the Board of Adjustments may have a role when property owners seek variances.
The ordinance passed first reading; council members indicated further review and possible amendment before final adoption.
