Woodbury County grants temporary exemption to six-ton embargo on 220th Street to allow home construction

The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to grant a targeted exemption from a six-ton embargo on 220th Street to Hogan Construction to allow access for construction of a permitted home at address 1360. The exemption covers use of portions of 220th Street up to the 1360 address for the duration of the existing embargo, subject to coordination with the county engineer and conditions to limit damage and enforce the embargo beyond that point.

Attorney John Hines presented the request on behalf of property owner Wes Hunold and contractor Nick Hogan, saying the project has a valid building permit, active site work and no practical alternative for heavy equipment access. Hines asked the board for a blanket, project-level exemption rather than vehicle-by-vehicle overweight permits because many vehicles and subcontractors will use the route over the life of the project.

County staff—citing prior problems with road damage on embargoed roads and enforcement considerations—warned that typical overweight permits are issued on a per-vehicle basis and that a blanket exemption could complicate enforcement if other users attempt to use the embargoed segment. Staff noted the embargo is scheduled to end on August 4 and discussed potential short-term repairs (e.g., converting the surface back to rock) as a cost-effective way to accommodate heavier equipment.

Contractor Nick Hogan described the request as time-sensitive and said delays would threaten the project schedule and employment for his crew. After discussion, Supervisor Nelson moved to grant a project-level exemption to Hogan Construction for use of portions of 220th Street up to 1360 during the embargo; the motion was seconded and approved 5-0. Staff will work with the contractor and county engineer on permit conditions, monitoring and repair responsibilities.