Board adopts ordinance allowing private landing strip after split vote

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 77-307 on May 26, 2026, rezoning 12.86 acres at 6410 North Butler Road from an "A" Agricultural District to "A-L" Agricultural-Limited to allow a private landing strip, subject to site plan approval by the Planning and Zoning Board.

The action followed a continued public hearing during which applicant Nathan Eick said the strip would be used about twice a month, that his plane "generates less noise than a crop duster," and that hangar costs at nearby Waterloo and Waverly airports make a private strip preferable. Several nearby residents opposed the rezoning. David Ackerson cited noise and potential impacts to his wetlands; Jim Bosier said the property could accommodate up to five houses if the strip were not approved; and Marti Roling noted existing airports in Waterloo and Waverly.

Supervisor Tavis Hall moved to suspend the rule requiring two prior readings and to consider the ordinance for final passage; the motion carried. The board then adopted the ordinance by roll call: Hall, Kurtenbach and Chair Linda Laylin voted in favor; Supervisors Justin Brandt and Chris Schwartz voted no. The ordinance imposes a condition that any construction on the rezoned land requires site plan approval from the Planning and Zoning Board.

The measure changes the property's zoning status but does not itself authorize construction; future building or runway work will require separate permitting and site-plan review. The board placed oral and written comments on file. Next procedural steps include site plan review by the county Planning and Zoning Board as required by the ordinance.