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Commission moves to adopt updated solid-waste plan and embeds siting limits in county code
Summary
The commission introduced an ordinance to adopt a 10-year Bib County Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan and to enshrine proximity-based siting restrictions (within one mile of residences, churches, recreational facilities and schools) into section 22-3 of the county code; county counsel said the plan itself is nonbinding but the code change is enforceable.
The Bib County Commission introduced and approved sending to consent an ordinance to adopt an updated Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan and to amend section 22-3 of the Bib County Code to place proximity-based limits on new or expanding solid-waste-handling facilities.
Sarah Davis, senior assistant county attorney, told commissioners the document is a 10-year planning tool and "it's not binding" in its entirety, but the ordinance contains a single binding element: moving siting and expansion restrictions into the county code so they are easier to find and apply. She said the proposed change would prohibit siting or expansion of any facility that handles solid waste within one mile of a residential zone, a church, a recreational facility or a school unless otherwise permitted under the code.
Davis said the county issued a moratorium in 2024 while the plan was updated, retained a contractor to complete the plan, and met statutory publication requirements by placing notice on the county website and in a public ad. Commissioners discussed that transfer stations are included in the ordinance's scope and confirmed the code change was intended to reflect protections already in the plan while making the rule enforceable in zoning reviews.
Following the attorney's explanation, a motion to approve was made, seconded and carried unanimously; the item was placed on the consent agenda. The change will be forwarded to Planning & Zoning for adoption steps and implementation details will be coordinated with county staff.
