Zoning board imposes new screening, lighting and signage conditions on Pacific Junction campground permit

The Mills County Zoning Board of Adjustments voted on May 19, 2026 to amend conditions for an existing campground operating under Conditional Use Permit 24-06 at 20424 Ingraham Ave., Pacific Junction. The board approved multiple, specific site-improvement requirements and set a deadline for compliance.

The permit holder summarized their timeline and operations for the board. A complainant presented a slideshow with photographs and items of concern about the campground's operation. During discussion, consultant Matt Wyant outlined the board’s options, including modifying permit conditions, ordering closure until conditions are met, or revoking the permit.

The board approved the following measures: send the zoning consultant to the site to determine the required height and length of a screening fence; require lighting on site to be downcast and stationary; direct the zoning official to determine the height and location of an earthen berm on the south side of the site; require a 5x7 sign at each campsite stating a lights-off time of 11:00 PM and contact and emergency phone numbers; and require that all amendments be completed no later than Sept. 1, 2026.

Each motion to adopt these amendments was moved and seconded (motions recorded as made by Collins, Jenneman and Evans in various instances) and recorded in the minutes as carried by roll-call votes reading as "Yes." The minutes list the motions and record "Motion Carried" for each item.

The board also noted that consultant Matt Wyant will attend the County Zoning Conference in Pella, IA from May 20–22 and that there will be no meeting in June. The minutes direct readers to recorded minutes for additional detail on the presentations and slideshow.

The board set Sept. 1, 2026 as the deadline to complete the listed amendments; the minutes do not record enforcement steps beyond that date.