LaSalle County zoning board recommends Meriden Grain permit and setback variance for new fertilizer bin

The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted June 17 to recommend that the county board approve Meriden Grain Company's request for a special use permit and a related variance to permit a new fertilizer bin at 684 North 44th Road in Mendota (Meriden Township).

The petitioner, Barry Beats of Meriden Grain, told the board the new stainless-steel bin is 12 feet in diameter and about 35 feet tall and will be used seasonally to store seed oats and, after harvest, pelletized sulfur that will be blended with existing fertilizer stock. "We're seeking a special use permit, to allow us to build another bin," Beats said.

Brian Giff, LaSalle County land use director, told the board notices were mailed to adjacent property owners and no written correspondence was received. Giff said the application complies with the standards and conditions of the county zoning ordinance as presented.

During board questioning, Beats said the new bin will be placed just north of the existing flat fertilizer shed and that filling and unloading operations will use the facility's current truck/unloading area. He also said two other bins on site already have reduced setbacks from earlier approvals.

After the hearing the board completed the required findings of fact under Section 14.1-5 for special uses and Section 14.8-3 for variances and called for a recommendation to the county board. The motion to recommend approval for the special use and the variance passed; the county-board presentation was scheduled for July 9.

The board attached no unusual conditions beyond standard staff requirements for permitting and compliance with county rules. The county board will have final authority to approve or deny the petition when it meets on July 9.

What happens next: The board's recommendation and application materials will be forwarded to the LaSalle County Board for final action on July 9.