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Board narrowly approves Woodlyn Hills Estates conditional use with sewer, inspection and operating stipulations
Summary
After debate over sewer capacity, inspection frequency and environmental protections, the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment approved Woodlyn Hills Estates LLC's conditional-use application 3-2 on stipulations including annual certified sewer inspections and a hook-to-sewer requirement when service is within 200 feet.
The Dickinson County Board of Adjustment on Dec. 8 approved a conditional-use application from Woodlyn Hills Estates LLC by a 3-2 vote after extended discussion about sewer capacity, inspections and protections for the environmentally sensitive site.
County Attorney Steven Goodlow read a prepared statement and Planning & Zoning Administrator Megan Kardell read emailed comments from neighbors and applicants. Staff recited a list of stipulations recommended for approval, including: annual certified inspections of a private sewer system with defined open/close procedures; a requirement to hook to the sanitary sewer when it becomes "available" (defined in the motion as within 200 feet of the property) and to do so within one year if capacity permits; landscape buffers and visual/sound barriers; a second shelter on the southwest portion of the site; installation of a medium-sized siren before opening; a trash-collection plan (small containers collected daily, larger collections 2–3 times per week); operation as a seasonal RV campground April 15–Oct. 15 with quiet hours 10 p.m.–8 a.m.; prohibition on unaccompanied individuals under 18; and a sustainable water-quality plan for the pond coordinated with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to begin within 18 months. The board also required a comprehensive drainage plan designed by a licensed engineer.
Board members debated whether annual sewer inspections and the proposed hook-to-sewer language were sufficient. Douglas Westerman expressed concern that the term "available" could create ambiguity and that the financial feasibility of sewer hookup could impose costs on the sanitary district and ratepayers; he urged more specificity about timing and cost responsibilities. Megan Kardell and other board members discussed inspection frequency and whether mid-season inspections should be added; staff clarified that inspections would be performed by a state-certified inspector and noted existing open/close procedures. The board also discussed parking, speed signage and restrictions to RV camping with hookups (no primitive tent camping allowed).
On the motion to approve the conditional use with the listed stipulations, Chairman Jeff Ashland and board members Kirby Berhow and Susan Clark voted to approve; Douglas Westerman and Alex Oponski voted against, producing a 3-2 approval. The motion directs Planning & Zoning staff to record the conditions and follow up on required engineering and DNR coordination.
The conditional-use approval carries detailed stipulations and a requirement for follow-up engineering and environmental planning; opponents on the board said inspection frequency and the sewer-hookup definition need clearer limits.
