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Scofield council votes to prohibit mineral extraction in agricultural zone
Summary
The council unanimously amended the Scofield land-use code to change extraction/mining of sand, gravel and similar resources from 'allowed by special use permit' to 'not allowed' in the agricultural zone. The motion passed by roll call with all present councilmembers voting in favor.
The Scofield Town Council voted May 19 to amend its land-use code to prohibit extraction and mining activities in the town’s agricultural zone. The change amends Table 2, use 1.32, removing extraction of sand, gravel, earthstone, minerals, petroleum and similar resources as a use that could be allowed by special-use permit.
A council member moved the amendment and it was seconded; a roll-call poll recorded 'Aye' votes from Liberty Smith, Brad Peacock, Jim Lebanger and Ralph Brickerhoff and the motion carried. Planning & Zoning had recommended the change unanimously at its May 3 meeting.
Council discussion emphasized protecting the town’s rural and tourism-oriented character and reducing risks associated with increased traffic, dust, noise and disturbance to historically significant sites and a recently funded town water well. Planning & Zoning members had specifically noted concerns about mining impacts on Town Park, the historic 1928 schoolhouse, the town cemetery and tourism along Highway 96.
Next steps: the amendment was approved by council vote at the meeting; staff will update the land-use code and reflect the change in public-facing planning documents. The council also discussed related performance standards for high-impact uses and said environmental review and applicable state and federal permits remain required for any future proposals.
