Buffalo County approves special-use permit for Firefly Landscaping in Elm Creek

At its April 12 meeting, the Buffalo County Board of Commissioners approved a special-use permit for Jon Sullivan, president of Firefly Landscaping Inc., to operate a landscaping business at 14310 11th Road, Elm Creek (Resolution 2022-11). The county opened a public hearing at 9:19 a.m.; Sullivan was present to answer questions and no other speakers addressed the board.

The resolution approves use of an existing shop for storage of landscaping materials and permits two additional structures or alterations described in the special-use application: a 32-foot by 40-foot addition to an existing storage structure and a new 40-foot by 80-foot office building. The resolution requires the applicant to place 911 (address) signage at the entrance and to commence construction within 120 days of the board’s approval and complete construction within two years. The board reserved the right to revoke the permit for failure to comply with the stated terms, and a copy of the resolution will be filed against the subject property.

The motion to approve the permit was moved by Timothy Higgins and seconded by Bill Maendele; all seven commissioners voted "Aye." The zoning administrator was present to review the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission had earlier recommended forwarding the application with a favorable recommendation.

Why it matters: the permit authorizes commercial landscaping operations on an agriculturally zoned parcel with specified building allowances and compliance requirements. The construction timeline and signage condition are intended to assure public safety and clear emergency access if the permit is implemented.

What’s next: the applicant must meet the 120-day commencement and two-year completion timelines or risk review and possible revocation by the county.