NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE WOODBURY COUNTY ZONING COMMISSION REGARDING THE CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS CONCERNING NUCLEAR ENERGY FACILITIES, NUCLEAR WASTE STORAGE, AND RELATED NUCLEAR USES, AND ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
The Woodbury County Zoning Commission will have public hearings on the following items hereafter described in detail on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM or as soon thereafter as the matters may be considered.
Said public hearings will be held in the Board of Supervisors’ meeting room in the basement of the Woodbury County Courthouse, 620 Douglas Street, Sioux City, Iowa. Copies of said items may now be examined at the office of the Woodbury County Community and Economic Development (Planning and Zoning), on the 6th Floor of said courthouse by any interested persons. All persons who wish to be heard in respect to these matters should appear at the aforesaid public hearings in person or call: 712-454-1133 and enter the Conference ID: 638 086 537# during the meeting to listen or comment. However, it is recommended to attend in person as there is the possibility for technical difficulties with phone and computer systems. You may forward your written comments by mail or email to: Woodbury County Community and Economic Development, 6th Floor, Woodbury County Courthouse, 620 Douglas St., Sioux City, IA 51101; Emails should be sent to Daniel Priestley at: dpriestley@woodburycountyiowa.gov. Only signed comments will be considered and should be received no later than 10:00 AM on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Item One (1):
CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY FACILITIES, NUCLEAR WASTE STORAGE, AND RELATED USES
The Woodbury County Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss amending the Woodbury County Zoning Ordinance to address nuclear energy facilities, nuclear waste storage, and related uses. The discussion will include, but is not limited to, permitting nuclear energy generation, modular nuclear energy systems, nuclear waste storage, and related technologies. Proposed amendments may involve updating the Land Use Summary Table of Allowed Uses (Section 3.03.4) to designate these uses as allowed uses or conditional uses in specific zoning districts, such as the General Industrial (GI) Zoning District. The hearing will also address public notification requirements, including appropriate notification distances for nuclear-related meetings and hearings, and may propose adding new sections, updating definitions, renumbering articles, or reorganizing the ordinance. The purpose is to gather public input to prepare a recommendation for the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors.
Item Two (2):
CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH IOWA SENATE FILE 592
The Woodbury County Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments to the Woodbury County Zoning Ordinance to ensure compliance with Iowa Senate File 592, signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 1, 2025. Senate File 592 mandates that counties allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the same lot as a single-family residence, subject to specific conditions, and prohibits certain restrictive regulations. The Zoning Commission will examine how to align the zoning ordinance with these requirements, including but not limited to the Land Use Summary Table of Allowed Uses (Section 3.03.4), Lot Requirements (Section 4.04), Number of Residential Structures (Section 4.04.2), and potentially other applicable sections. The hearing aims to gather public input to develop appropriate ordinance language and prepare a recommendation for the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors to ensure compliance with Iowa Senate File 592.
Published in the Sergeant Bluff Advocate weekly newspaper, Thursday, June 12, 2025. The SB-Advocate is an Official Woodbury County newspaper. (PN#061225-00128)
