Commission approves conditional use permit for Simplot hazardous storage at Northeast Business Park with conditions

The Minot Planning Commission on March 4 approved a conditional use permit (CUP) allowing Simplot (UHB LLC) to store agricultural chemicals at 2708 30th Avenue Northeast in the Northeast Business Park, subject to conditions intended to limit public-safety and environmental risk.

City staff described the permit as primarily a public‑safety measure so the fire department knows what chemicals are stored and where. "The hazardous material storage areas shall strictly comply with the quantities, materials, and locations as presented in the letter of intent exhibit 3 attached to the application and attached here to as part of the permit," staff read as part of the recommended conditions. Staff also recommended that outdoor storage be screened to a minimum of 6 feet (up to 10 feet where storage racking exceeds 6 feet), that any expansion beyond existing buildings require a permit amendment, that hazardous materials be limited to those approved by the fire chief or designee, and that stormwater and final site plans be required for future development.

A letter from adjacent property owners Joseph and Pamela Romantz was read into the record raising concerns about drainage to Livingston Creek and the Souris River, truck traffic, dust mitigation and sight-distance issues at the site access. The Romantz letter said, in part, "This matter raises significant environmental and safety considerations that warrant a thorough evaluation," and asked the commission to carefully consider the issues.

Staff reported it had solicited technical input. The Ward County engineer provided crash‑data and sight‑distance analysis indicating only three reported accidents near the intersection since 2015 and — based on standard stopping‑sight‑distance guidance — concluded there is sufficient stopping sight distance at the county road intersection for the posted speeds. City staff also said the applicant would need to connect to city water to install sprinklers; that connection would require annexation and a separate city‑council action. Staff said the fire inspector (designee of the fire chief) will review and approve the specific chemicals allowed; failure to comply could lead to revocation of the permit.

Commissioner Kibler moved to approve the staff findings and recommendation; Vice Chair Baumann seconded the motion. After discussion and reading of correspondence into the record, the commission approved the conditional use permit on a roll call vote. Conditions include strict adherence to the letter of intent quantities and materials, screening of outdoor storage, fire‑department approval of inventories, stormwater management and final site plan requirements, required sewer and water connections, and an explicit requirement that any expansion beyond existing buildings requires amending the CUP.

The commission’s action authorizes hazardous‑materials storage at the site with the listed conditions; annexation and any utility hookups would follow separate actions at City Council.