Rapid City committee forwards sidewalk-variance request without recommendation after split comments

The Rapid City Public Works Committee voted to forward a sidewalk-variance request concerning a Seager Drive property without a recommendation.

Jeremy Muth, the public commenter on the request, said the proposed sidewalk would be a “sidewalk to nowhere,” noting there is no sidewalk extending west on Seager Drive and that existing sidewalks are primarily on the opposite side of the street. City staff recommended denying the variance, noting the parcel’s current condition and that sidewalk installation is often triggered by future building permits on adjacent parcels.

Council members were divided. One councilmember said consistency requires requiring sidewalks when a building permit triggers code compliance; another said installing a sidewalk now can spur future development to connect sidewalks and improve walkability. A councilmember who described personal experience installing a sidewalk said, “putting in a sidewalk is just the first step in creating a community that makes it friendly for our citizens to walk.”

Staff explained that in some locations sidewalk and curb-and-gutter geometry make installation impractical until a larger street or drainage assessment is completed, but that in this case curb and gutter exist and installing the sidewalk now is geometrically feasible. The committee ultimately voted to move the item forward without recommendation; the transcript does not record a detailed roll-call tally.

The committee’s action forwards the variance request to the next review body without committee endorsement or a formal denial. Staff and the councilmembers suggested future development or building permits on adjacent parcels could still trigger sidewalk installation under current code.