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Commission recommends variance to allow gravel loading zone for Stamford Township salt facility
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a variance allowing a gravel loading zone (not a parking lot) at 147 Mill Avenue for Stamford Township’s salt operations, citing permit timelines and the petitioner’s near-term plan to demolish a building and build a salt shed while keeping much of the lot gravel for now.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a variance for Stamford Township’s property at 147 Mill Avenue to permit a gravel loading zone rather than a paved parking lot.
Staff clarified the applicable code citation and framed the matter as a request tied to loading operations for a new salt shed rather than ordinary passenger parking. The staff note referenced section 611-6-11-1-E of the zoning code and emphasized that permits require showing a paved surface; permits are good for one year but the commission may attach conditions.
The petitioner described phased work: demolition of part of an existing building within weeks and construction of a roughly 40-by-40-foot salt building, with a paved surface in front of the salt-shed door but the remainder of the lot to remain gravel for the near term. When commissioners pushed on traffic and gravel tracking onto public streets, the petitioner said a skid-steer broom would be used and that trucks presently use other nearby gravel lots for salt storage.
Commissioners discussed precedent (past approvals for gravel parking in a park district and for a storage yard) and whether the requirement to pave should apply only to the portion being improved. Staff said historical practice has been to require only the portion being touched to come into compliance. After discussion a motion was made to recommend approval of the variance "to permit a gravel loading zone, not [a] parking lot." The motion was seconded and the roll call record shows multiple affirmative votes.
The commission’s recommendation allows staff to include conditions as necessary when processing the permit; staff will incorporate any conditions the commission directs and return the record to the next decision point.
