Buffalo County tables zoning and subdivision rules, approves planning appointments and FEMA grant application
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Summary
At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Buffalo County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing on proposed zoning and subdivision regulations, tabled the item for further review until Dec. 10, accepted an annual special-use permit report, authorized a FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance grant application, and filled a Planning and Zoning Commission vacancy.
Chairperson Ivan H. Klein opened a public hearing Nov. 12 on proposed updates to Buffalo County’s Zoning and Subdivision Regulations required under Neb. Rev. Stat. §23-174.06. Resident Jason Wozniak spoke during the hearing. After discussion the board, on a motion by Ronald Loeffelholz and seconded by Myron Kouba, tabled the comprehensive-plan-related regulations until Dec. 10, 2024 for further review.
Zoning Administrator Dennise Daniels presented the Annual Report and Review of Special Use Permit Properties; the board voted to accept the report and requested that a copy be filed with the County Clerk. Daniels also requested authorization to apply for FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (Swift Current) grant on behalf of Buffalo County; the board approved submission of the application unanimously.
Separately, the board accepted the resignation of Planning and Zoning Commission member Francis Biehl and appointed Jeremy Sedlacek to a three-year term. The board also reappointed Tammy Jeffs, Scott Stubblefield and Scott Brady to three-year terms on the commission. These personnel actions were approved by unanimous votes.
Why it matters: The tabling preserves additional time for staff, commissioners and stakeholders to review regulatory language that will shape land use outside municipal jurisdictions. The FEMA grant authorization allows county staff to pursue federal funds for flood mitigation work that could affect vulnerable properties and infrastructure.
What happens next: The board will revisit the proposed Zoning and Subdivision Regulations at its Dec. 10 meeting. Highway and zoning staff will proceed with the FEMA grant application process and return with any required local-match or project details for future consideration.