"Yes, but . . ."
The City Council can grant permit requests that way, as a result of its passage of a conditional-use ordinance in Wednesday's council meeting.The conditional-use permit can be used when a site plan meets zoning requirements, but the council wants to impose stricter regulations than the zoning requires, explained city administrator David Oyler. Whereas the city could say only "yes" or "no" before the ordinance, it can now say "yes, but . . . "
Conditional-use permits will be used mainly in industrial and heavy commercial zones, Oyler said. Gravel pits near residential areas are a prime example of where the permit would be helpful, he said.
The council then has the freedom to say, "It can be a permitted use, with these conditions," Oyler said. "Then we list the conditions" such as safety requirements, pollution standards, landscaping requirements and limits on operation hours, he said.
"It gives us a little more flexibility without writing separate ordinances (for each proposal)," Oyler said.
The city discontinued an earlier conditional-use law 12 years ago because the council felt it was too political, Oyler said.
The current council admitted that it could become political but voted unanimously to pass the ordinance.
"I think this gives you a little wiggle room and a little leeway to do something," Councilman Clyde Swenson said.
A public hearing will be held before the council grants any conditional-use permits, and the permit can be revoked if any condition ceases to be met.