Huerfano County OKs conditional-use permit for Black Hills Energy storage site

The Huerfano County Board of County Commissioners approved a conditional-use permit on Sept. 16 for Black Hills Energy to store wind-turbine components on an agricultural parcel off Highway 10.

Planning staff told commissioners the application (land use 25-027, CUP) covers two adjoining parcels addressed as 12129 and 12129B Highway 10 and that the property had been used as a hunting retreat. The staff report said the property was sold to Richardson Farms Outfitters Incorporated and was expected to be transferred to Black Hills Energy for use as a parts and materials warehouse for maintenance of nearby turbine towers. The board voted to approve the permit with conditions.

Why it matters: The permit changes the allowed use for a parcel in an agricultural zone to a temporary commercial storage function and triggers building-occupancy, water-supply and operational restrictions meant to limit noise, traffic and public-safety impacts.

Planning staff summarized key conditions recommended by the Red River County Planning Commission, including (1) that Black Hills Energy request and pass a change-of-occupancy inspection before any business or storage activity begins in the building, and (2) that the company provide proof of its water source to the Land Use Department before operations start. The staff report also noted an unresolved building permit and an existing certificate of occupancy for a single residence on the parcel.

John B. Hill, representing Black Hills Energy, told the board the company would store only turbine parts and small components indoors. "all of the materials that we're using are just gonna be parts and things for the windmills themselves, the wind turbines themselves, but nothing will be outside," Hill said. He also said Black Hills plans to continue sourcing water from Ojo Drilling in Wilsonburg and acknowledged that a receipt or letter documenting that water arrangement was a condition of the permit.

The staff report said the applicant indicated typical staffing would be no more than eight employees across two contractors during normal business hours (about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The county building inspector requested that any occupancy change be completed from residential to commercial before operations begin.

Action and vote: Commissioners moved and seconded to approve CUP 25-027 with the listed conditions; the motion carried unanimously. The planning record noted no adverse comments from referral agencies that returned comments. The board directed that the occupancy inspection and proof of water be completed before any storage or business activity begins.

What remains: Inspection and change-of-occupancy paperwork, and documentation of water sourcing, must be submitted to and approved by county staff before any storage activity commences. No start date for operations was announced.

The board addressed the item during its regular meeting; staff and the applicant remain available to answer follow-up questions.