Council approves rezone, special exemptions and routine consent items

Sheridan City Council approved three separate items during its Jan. 7 regular meeting at City Hall: a third reading and adoption of Ordinance 22-92 to rezone nine properties from B-1 to B-2; Resolution 18-25 granting city-initiated special exemptions to eight M-1 properties with preexisting heavy-industrial uses; and a five-item consent agenda including a two-year contract renewal for the municipal court alternate judge.

The rezone ordinance (PL-25-9 / Ordinance 22-92) passed on third and final reading by roll call. City Planner Kelly Schroeder told the council the request covered nine properties with seven owners and said staff and the planning commission recommended approval. The ordinance changes multiple properties that were annexed in 1973 from B-1 Business District zoning to B-2 Business District zoning to align zoning with existing uses. The roll-call vote recorded six ayes and no nays: Council member Frantz (aye), Council member Lightnam (aye), Council member Wood (aye), Council member Lubin (aye), Council member Weitzel (aye) and Mayor Richard Bridger (aye).

Resolution 18-25, described by Schroeder as a city-initiated approval process tied to recent changes in the M-1 Industrial District, grants special exemptions to eight property owners that notified staff they have preexisting heavy-industrial uses covered by the new definition of "heavy industrial." Schroeder listed the properties and primary uses during the presentation; staff recommended approval and the council approved the resolution by voice vote.

The consent agenda — approved as a single motion — included: a two-year contract renewal for municipal court alternate judge Kevin Kessner (term ending July 1, 2027); final acceptance of public infrastructure for Cloud Peak Ranch, 2024 Filing, Phase 2; approval of minutes from the June 16, 2025 regular council meeting; the mayor's reappointment to the CEDA board for a three-year term ending Aug. 31, 2028; and the existing claims list. The consent agenda motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: the rezone and the special-exemption resolution alter development expectations and the regulatory status of industrial and commercial properties in parts of Sheridan. The rezone expands allowed B-2 uses on nine properties; the special exemptions formally record and preserve specific heavy-industrial uses that predate the recent M-1 code changes.

Votes at a glance: - PL-25-9 / Ordinance 22-92 (third reading) — Rezone from B-1 to B-2 for nine properties (addresses as presented by staff). Motion approved by roll-call vote: 6–0 (Frantz; Lightnam; Wood; Lubin; Weitzel; Mayor Richard Bridger — all aye). Action: ordinance adoption. - Resolution 18-25 — Approve special exemptions for eight M-1 properties with existing heavy-industrial uses (listed below). Motion approved by voice vote. Action: resolution adopted. - Consent agenda — five items (municipal court alternate judge contract renewal; final acceptance Cloud Peak Ranch 2024 Filing Phase 2; minutes of June 16, 2025; mayoral reappointment to CEDA board through 08/31/2028; claims). Motion approved by voice vote.

Items and details recorded in meeting discussion: - Ordinance 22-92: Addresses included in staff presentation were 190 Canfield, 133 Canfield, 124 Canfield, 2420 North Main, 2483 North Main, 52 West Coy, 130 West Coy, 251 West Coy and 252 (as read by staff). Schroeder said the properties were annexed in 1973 and that the B-2 zoning better matches historic and current uses in the area. - Resolution 18-25 (special exemptions): Schroeder identified eight properties and summarized the existing uses that triggered the exemption: 9 Industrial Lane (Wagner Ranch Services — raw material/mineral extraction and processing); 1618 Crow Lane (Simon Contractors — asphalt manufacturer, concrete manufacturer, raw material processing, recycled materials processing, chemical/fuel storage); 1145 Crow Lane (City of Sheridan — asphalt plant); 775 E. Eighth St. (Base Financial — powder coating and sandblasting with DEQ permit, heavy equipment salvage); 1290 Skiells & 1330 Industrial Drive (Ted's Towing — automobile salvage and gasoline storage); 1450 Industrial Lane (Blaine Murphy — vehicle salvage/wrecking, chemical storage); 1656 S. Sheridan Ave. (JFL Land Company — millwork/casework with DEQ air permit). Schroeder said the exemptions will be recorded on the property and run with the land. The application window for additional owners remains open through Oct. 6; after that date affected owners would need to apply through the board of adjustment.

Motion and voting record (as recorded): - Approve agenda — motion, voice vote, passed (aye recorded). - Consent agenda — motion, voice vote, passed (aye recorded). - PL-25-9 / Ordinance 22-92 — motion and second; roll-call vote: Frantz (aye), Lightnam (aye), Wood (aye), Lubin (aye), Weitzel (aye), Mayor Richard Bridger (aye). Outcome: approved. - Resolution 18-25 — motion and second; voice vote: aye. Outcome: approved.

No recorded public resolutions or council motions failed at this meeting.