Minot planning commission backs rezoning and interim permit for Earhart Hills site to allow continued clay extraction and enable stormwater project

The City of Minot Planning Commission on Feb. 4 recommended that the City Council approve a future land use map amendment, rezoning to M1 (Light Industrial), a preliminary plat subdividing the site into two lots, and an interim use permit to allow mining/extraction at 2100 Valley Street (the Earhart Hills addition).

The recommendation, which the commission approved by roll call, followed staff findings that the site has been used for clay extraction under a legal nonconforming status and that the requested entitlements are needed to plat a parcel for a Ward County Water Resource Board stormwater project. Planning staff recommended a termination date for the interim use permit of Jan. 1, 2036, and a requirement that the owner complete land reclamation or submit a development plan when mining ceases.

Commissioners and staff said the rezoning and permit would not create new extraction rights beyond the property's existing legal nonconforming use but would bring the site under the City’s Land Development Ordinance and thereby require buffer yards, landscaping and other…