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Council approves ordinance creating M2 heavy-industrial zoning; existing M1 heavy uses to be offered special exemption
Summary
The council passed Ordinance 2,287 on second reading to adopt an M2 Heavy Industrial District and clarify permitted uses; Planning staff will propose a city-initiated special-exemption process to allow existing heavy-industrial uses in M1 to opt in within six months.
The Sheridan City Council voted on March 18 to approve Ordinance 2,287 on second reading, creating an M2 Heavy Industrial zoning district and revising M1 Industrial rules to require special exemptions for heavy industrial uses on properties zoned M1.
City Planner Kelly Schroeder told council the M1 code dated to 1948 and allowed broad uses in language that no longer reflected how parts of the city are used. Schroeder said the revisions seek to prevent heavy industrial operations—those that may produce excessive odor, dust, noise, smoke, vibration or fire and explosive hazards—from locating by right in areas such as Coffeen Avenue where industrial zoning has persisted but the land use is more commercial.
Schroeder explained that light-industrial uses (machining, small-scale manufacturing, offices, outdoor storage, welding and painting facilities, among others) would remain permitted in M1. Heavy industrial uses (examples provided in the proposed definition included animal stockyards, slaughterhouses, incineration, salvage or junkyards, and raw-material/mineral extraction and processing) would remain possible on M1 parcels but would require a special exemption from the Board of Adjustment. The special-exemption process includes public notice to surrounding property owners and a Board of Adjustment hearing; the board must make findings of fact before granting an exemption.
The proposed M2 district contains the same permitted light- and heavy-industrial uses but treats heavy industrial as a use by right in M2 (no special exemption required). Schroeder said the ordinance does not rezoning anyone; it merely creates the M2 district. She also told council that staff would bring a resolution proposing a city-initiated special exemption that would allow existing heavy-industrial uses on M1 parcels to opt in; Planning Commission recommended a six-month opt-in period.
Council action and vote
Council member Lightnam moved approval of Ordinance 2,287 on second reading; Council member Patzick seconded. The mayor called for a roll-call vote. The record shows the following votes:
- Council member Lightnam: Yes - Council member Wood: Yes - Council member Lumen: Yes - Council member Patzick: Aye - Mayor Bridger: Yes
The mayor announced the motion passed.
What remains: Schroeder said the third reading is scheduled for April 7; staff will present a draft resolution next week outlining the city-initiated special-exemption option and the administrative steps for a six-month opt-in period.
Ending: Schroeder said staff will return with the resolution and third reading materials and that Planning Commission had discussed the definitions and the special-exemption approach during its February public hearing.
