Buffalo County approves Audubon rezoning of 362.7 acres and special‑use permit for visitor center
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Summary
The Buffalo County Board approved rezoning about 362.7 acres from Agriculture to Rural Conservation for the National Audubon Society and granted a special‑use permit for an educational visitor center with conditions including signage review, solar panels (max 25 kW), and parking requirements.
The Buffalo County Board of Commissioners on April 11 approved a zoning map amendment that rezoned roughly 362.7 acres owned by The National Audubon Society from Agriculture (AG) to Rural Conservation (RC), and granted a special‑use permit to operate an educational and visitor center with a new sign and roof‑mounted solar panels.
Kristal Stoner, Executive Director of Audubon Great Plains, presented the applications; Jennie Kozal of Olson Engineering and Bill Taddicken of the Rowe Sanctuary answered technical questions. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval on March 16. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2023‑20 (rezoning) and Resolution 2023‑21 (special use permit).
Why it matters: the approvals allow Audubon to develop an educational/visitor facility on parcels described at 44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon, and to install solar on the facility with a maximum 25 kW rated nameplate capacity. The permit includes specific conditions: compliance with Buffalo County Floodplain Regulations for building additions; a post‑construction inspection by the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office to confirm emergency interconnectivity; submission of a compliant signage design to the Planning and Zoning Administrator by May 9, 2023 or risk a stop‑work order on the project; removal or a timeline for removal of an existing sign on county right‑of‑way; and a minimum of 56 parking stalls and at least one off‑street loading area.
The Board’s resolution summarizes procedural findings: no letters of opposition were filed, the change is consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, and Planning and Zoning recommended approval (8‑0 with one absent). The resolution directs that a copy be filed with the Buffalo County Register of Deeds and that the County Clerk update the zoning map.
Next steps: Audubon must submit a compliant signage plan by May 9, 2023, satisfy the permit conditions and coordinate post‑construction inspection. The resolutions will be filed in the Register of Deeds as the formal record of the actions.