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Dickinson staff proposes tighter industrial surfacing rules to curb dust; commission asks for options
Summary
City planner presented options to restrict use of scoria and require all‑weather surfacing or a 50‑foot paved entrance in industrial zones; commission signaled preference for applying new rules to future development and requiring a short paved approach for new or changed sites rather than aggressive retroactive enforcement.
City of Dickinson staff told the Planning & Zoning Commission that current municipal code allows crushed concrete and scoria as finished surfacing in rear vehicle circulation areas within industrial (LI/GI) districts, and that those materials can produce dust and tracking problems during high winds.
Planner Natalie Burczyk reviewed approaches used in other North Dakota cities: Bismarck generally requires paved hard surfaces for off‑street parking and circulation; Watford City requires all‑weather surfacing or chip seal; Grand Forks allows limited loose surfacing but requires a 50‑foot paved entrance to trap debris and reduce tracking onto public streets; Williston is less restrictive for lots not fronting paved streets. Burczyk estimated roughly 52 properties within Dickinson city limits currently use some form of unfinished scoria.
Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement challenges with retroactive compliance for existing properties. Commissioners expressed reluctance to require immediate, city‑wide expensive repaving for all existing industrial yards given potential multimillion‑dollar costs for large yards. Several members supported a compromise that would require a 40–50 foot paved approach from a paved street for new developments or major changes, and require full compliance for new permits moving forward while giving existing properties a compliance timeline if an ordinance is adopted.
Staff and commissioners also discussed dust suppression options used in rural settings (magnesium chloride / calcium chloride) and agreed these are not appropriate inside the city because they can create sticky residue that tracks onto pavement. Staff said they will draft specific ordinance options, including a possible 50‑foot paved entrance requirement or a Watford City‑style all‑weather surfacing standard, for review at a subsequent meeting (December or January).
The commission did not vote on an ordinance at the work session; members asked staff to return with options that balance dust control and enforcement feasibility. The meeting adjourned after direction to prepare ordinance language and implementation timelines.
