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Supervisors to revisit salvage-yard enforcement after resident complaints about runoff and debris
Summary
Winnebago County supervisors directed staff to collect photos and coordinate with the county attorney and DOT after repeated complaints about a salvage yard in the county's northeast corner that neighbors say lacks screening, may have runoff into wetlands and is creating debris that blows into road rights-of-way.
Supervisors instructed staff to reissue notices and to pursue enforcement steps for a salvage yard in the northeast corner of Winnebago County after multiple complaints and photographs from residents raised concerns about screening, zoning compliance and possible runoff into wetlands.
Board members said the property owner had been asked previously to apply for rezoning and to screen the site with trees or a fence; the board heard staff had not received the required rezoning application or evidence of compliance. Supervisors discussed whether the county or the Iowa Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over debris if materials are blowing into the public right of way; staff said DOT might have authority for materials in the right of way but not for private-property storage.
Supervisors asked staff to catalog photos and items found in county right of way, check DOT guidance, consider environmental testing for contaminants (including metals), and reattempt direct outreach to the property owner to request voluntary cleanup or compliance steps before pursuing administrative enforcement. Board members noted possible next steps include rezoning enforcement, starting a fining process, or requiring a living fence or other screening if rezoning is approved.
Ending: Staff will collect evidence, check DOT authorities over right-of-way debris, arrange for Kelsey (county attorney/code enforcement) to advise at a future meeting, and attempt another direct contact with the property owner before escalating to fines or formal enforcement.
