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Sturgis council approves first reading to repeal municipal code variance prohibition
Summary
On first reading, the council approved Ordinance 2024-05 to repeal Sturgis Municipal Code §19.02.03, restoring the ability for the council (acting as board of adjustment) to grant variances for subdivisions in difficult topography; the planning commission recommended the repeal unanimously.
Sturgis — The Sturgis City Council gave a first reading approval to Ordinance 2024-05, which would repeal a provision of the city's subdivision code that currently prohibits variances for most plats.
Planner Dave explained that Section 19.02.03 of the Sturgis Municipal Code conflicts with other subdivision provisions and prevents the city from granting variances that could make development feasible in steep or foothill areas. The planning commission reviewed the proposal on July 2, 2024, and unanimously recommended repeal to allow the council, acting as the board of adjustment, to consider variances when extraordinary hardships are demonstrated.
Dave told council the repeal is intended to provide a measured tool rather than an open-ended change: "By repealing this section of the code does not open the floodgates and require the city to hand out variances to every developer," he said, adding that each variance request will still be reviewed to ensure it does not nullify the intent of subdivision regulations.
Councilors asked clarifying questions about budget impacts and associated fees; staff said repealing the prohibition should not significantly increase city expenditures and could increase permit and development revenues if projects move forward. The council approved the ordinance's first reading by roll call; additional public hearings and the second reading will follow before final enactment.
