Weld County adopts zoning changes after resident raises truck‑related health concerns

The Weld County Board of Commissioners approved changes to the county zoning code on final reading Tuesday, updating rules for home‑based businesses, commercial vehicles and building setbacks near oil and gas wells.

The revisions in Code Ordinance 20‑25‑11 replace the county's ambiguous commercial‑vehicle definition with limits tied to gross vehicle weight rating and zoning district, add a definition for trucking and transportation companies (eligible for use by special review in certain Ag and industrial zones), add setbacks for parking heavy trucks and semi‑trailers outside CNI zones, and streamline permitting for public and private schools into an administrative site plan process, Planning Department staff said. "It makes it easier for working families to run a business at home," Planning staff told commissioners during the third reading.

Jim Fletcher of the planning department said staff recommended approval on final reading and had no additional changes. Commissioner Scott James moved for final approval; Commissioner Kevin Ross seconded, and the board approved by voice vote.

During the public‑hearing period, Wendy Heffley of Casa Grande Estates described daily disturbances she attributes to a neighbor operating a commercial trucking business at 9951 Sierra Vista Road. Heffley said the operation involves five dump trucks and two side‑dump trucks, that drivers often start trucks around 5 a.m. and idle for extended periods, and that maintenance sometimes occurs seven days a week. She told the board she has been told Code Enforcement found violations and that the matter has progressed to a court hearing. "Our house fills with fumes," Heffley said, and added she is immunocompromised and recently had a nodule detected on her lung.

Commissioners acknowledged Heffley's concerns during debate. Commissioner Scott James said the ordinance reflects extensive public input and attempts to balance resident protections with business‑friendly clarifications. The board approved Code Ordinance 20‑25‑11 on final reading.

Separately, the board also approved Code Ordinance 20‑25‑15, which increases setback distances related to wells: occupied buildings sited near plugged and abandoned wells will need a 75‑foot setback (up from 50 feet); unoccupied buildings will require a 75‑foot setback from both active and plugged/abandoned wells; the 250‑foot distance from active oil and gas facilities for occupied buildings remains unchanged. That ordinance passed on a 4‑1 roll call, with Commissioner Jason Maxey voting no and citing concerns about private property rights.

The changes take effect according to the timelines and implementation steps set out in county code; staff said they would answer follow‑up questions as needed. The meeting record shows the ordinances passed and staff will proceed with any required administrative updates.