HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240885.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW
PERMIT, USR23-0045, FOR A SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY (SEF) OUTSIDE OF
SUBDIVISIONS AND HISTORIC TOWNSITES IN THE A (AGRICULTURAL) ZONE
DISTRICT - PDC ENERGY, INC., C/O THISTLE SOLAR, LLC
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on the 24th day of
April, 2024, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., in the Chambers of the Board, for the purpose of hearing
the application of PDC Energy, Inc., 1099 18th Street, Suite 1500, Denver, Colorado 80202,
do Thistle Solar, LLC, 1724 Gilpin Street, Denver, Colorado 80218, for a Site Specific
Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR23-0045, for a Solar Energy Facility
(SEF) outside of subdivisions and historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District, on the
following described real estate, being more particularly described as follows:
Lot D of Recorded Exemption, RECX12-0003; being
part of the S1/2 of Section 3, Township 3 North,
Range 66 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County,
Colorado
WHEREAS, at said hearing, the applicant was represented by Kristy Weyerman, Thistle
Solar, LLC, 1724 Gilpin Street, Denver, Colorado 80218, and
WHEREAS, Section 23-2-230 of the Weld County Code provides standards for review of
said Use by Special Review Permit, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners heard all of the testimony and
statements of those present, studied the request of the applicant and the recommendation of the
Weld County Planning Commission and all of the exhibits and evidence presented in this matter
and, having been fully informed, finds that this request shall be approved for the following reasons:
1. The submitted materials are in compliance with the application requirements of
Section 23-2-260 of the Weld County Code.
2. The applicant has demonstrated that the request is in conformance with
Section 23-2-230.B of the Weld County Code as follows:
A. Section 23-2-230.B.1 — The proposed use is consistent with Chapter 22
[Weld County Comprehensive Plan] and any other applicable Code
provisions or ordinance in effect.
1) Section 22-2-10.C states: "Promoting Economic Growth and
Stability. Land use policies have a significant impact economic
conditions in the County and should be structured to encourage
economic prosperity. To ensure the continued strength of Weld
County's economy, land use processes and decisions based on the
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[Comprehensive Plan] shall be consistent and promote financially
responsible growth." This Solar Energy Facility (SEF) will initially
provide construction jobs and future energy production to Weld
County, which directly supports economic prosperity. This SEF,
being a power -generating facility, will add variety, stability, and
redundancy to the existing electrical grid. Traditional energy
resources are tied to commodity markets and can vary in demand
and output. This facility can complement and support the economy
during times of fluctuating oil and gas activity.
2) Section 22-2-30.C states: "Harmonize development with
surrounding land uses." The adjacent land will experience minimal
nuisance from the SEF, which is an unmanned energy development
facility. Once operational, the proposed SEF creates no noise, odor,
light or flickering, vibration, vermin, dust, or other nuisances. The
operation of the SEF will not impact surrounding property owners'
rights to quiet enjoyment. The current and future oil and gas activity
on the property will not be impacted.
B. Section 23-2-230.6.2 — The proposed use is consistent with the intent of
the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
1) Section 23-3-10 — Intent, states: "Agriculture in the County is
considered a valuable resource, which must be protected from
adverse impacts resulting from uncontrolled and undirected
business, industrial and residential land uses. The A (Agricultural)
Zone District is established to maintain and promote agriculture as
an essential feature of the County. The A (Agricultural) Zone District
is intended to provide areas for the conduct of agricultural activities
and activities related to agriculture and agricultural production, and
for areas for natural resource extraction and energy development,
without the interference of other, incompatible land uses."
2) Section 23-3-40.FF — Uses by Special Review, of the Weld County
Code include, "Solar Energy Facilities (SEFs), being more than
five (5) acres in size, but less than 160 acres, in the Near/Urban
Area, as shown on Appendix 21-B, or being more than
five (5) acres, but less than 320 acres, in the Ag/Rural Area, as
shown on Appendix 21-B." This Code section allows the applicant
to apply for a SEF, as the subject property is located in the
Near/Urban Area, as shown by map in Appendix 21-B, per
Section 23-1-90 of the Weld County Code. The SEF will encumber
approximately 13 acres and qualifies as a SEF USR.
The SEF will also include two (2) 40 -foot conex (cargo) containers,
during construction. Cargo containers are allowed as an Accessory
Use, per Section 23-3-30.6 of the Weld County Code. One (1)
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cargo container will be removed after construction, while one (1) will
remain onsite for storage of spare modules and other spare parts.
C. Section 23-2-230.B.3 — The uses which will be permitted will be compatible
with the existing surrounding land uses. The surrounding properties are
zoned A (Agricultural). The land uses include residences, agricultural uses,
and vacant land. There are 14 USRs within one (1) mile of the site. To the
east are USR-888, for a second single family dwelling; USR18-0019, for oil
and gas support and service; USR15-0065, for a mineral resource's
development facility; and USR18-0094, for a greater than 12 -inch
high-pressure pipeline. To the north is USR18-0091, for an electric
business; and USR17-0049, for a high-pressure natural gas line. To the
west are USR-1756, USR-1748, and 1MJUSR17-15-0019 for kennels;
USR18-0004, for a Solar Energy Facility; and USR-1236, for 230/345kV
powerlines. To the south is USR20-0011, for a Solar Energy Facility;
USR19-0045, for a vehicle repair establishment; and USR-1363, for a
livestock confinement operation.
Weld County Department of Planning Services staff sent notice to 16
surrounding property owners (SPOs) within 500 feet of the proposed USR
boundary. No written correspondence or telephone calls were received.
The applicant held a neighborhood meeting on March 18, 2024, in which
one (1) neighbor attended with questions.
The proposed use is in an area that can support this development and the
Conditions of Approval and Development Standards will assist in mitigating
the impacts of the facility on the adjacent properties and ensure
compatibility with surrounding land uses and the region.
D. Section 23-2-230.B.4 — The uses which will be permitted will be compatible
with future development of the surrounding area, as permitted by the
existing zoning, and with the future development, as projected by
Chapter 22 of this Code or master plans of affected municipalities.
The site is located within the Coordinated Planning Agreement (CPA) areas
for the Towns of Gilcrest and Platteville. As part of the pre -application
process the municipalities were sent a Notice of Inquiry (NOI). The Town
of Platteville submitted a NOI dated November 14, 2023, which indicated
they have no concerns with the SEF proposal. The Town of Gilcrest did not
submit a NOI response.
The site is located within the three (3) mile referral area of the Towns of
Gilcrest and Platteville. According to the Town of Gilcrest's Comprehensive
Plan (2017), the site is outside the Town's Urban Growth Boundary.
According to the Town of Platteville's Comprehensive Master Plan (2023),
and corresponding Future Land Use Map, the site is located outside the
Town's Urban Growth Boundary. Neither the Town of Gilcrest or the Town
of Platteville submitted referral agency comments.
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E. Section 23-2-230.B.5 — The property is not located within any overlay
district officially adopted by the County, including the A -P (Airport) Overlay
District, 1-25 Overlay District, Geologic Hazard Overlay District,
MS4 - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System area, Special Flood
Hazard Area, Historic Townsites Overlay District, Agricultural Heritage
Overlay District, or part of a Disproportionally Impacted Community.
Building Permits issued on the lot will be required to adhere to the fee
structure of the County -Wide Road Impact Fee, County Facility Fee, and
Drainage Impact Fee Programs.
F. Section 23-2-230.B.6 — The applicant has demonstrated a diligent effort to
conserve prime agricultural land in the locational decision for the proposed
use. The parcel is located on 169 acres of soils designated as "Farmland
of Statewide Importance" with slopes of 1-5%, Olney loam sand, Valent,
and Vona. The proposed facility is located on approximately 44.1 acres of
soils designated as "Farmland of Statewide Importance" Olney loamy
sand, 3-5 percent (%) slopes; approximately 35.8 acres of soils designated
as "Farmland of Statewide Importance" Olney loamy sand, 1-3% slopes;
approximately 41.9 acres of soils designated as "Not Prime Farmland"
Vona loamy sand, 3-5% slopes; approximately 5.4 acres of soils
designated as "Farmland of Local Importance" Vona loamy sand, 0-3%
slopes; approximately 2.2 acres of soils designated as "Not Prime
Farmland" Valent sand, 3-9% slopes; and approximately 0.2 acres of soils
designated as "Not Prime Farmland" Loup-Boel loamy sands, 0-3% slopes.
The proposed use is temporary, and soils will not be unduly removed from
the property. After the lease period, the land can be returned to historic
uses. The portion of the parent parcel that is not encumbered by the USR
will continue to be used for oil and gas production, as 1041 WOGLA22-0038
is onsite. The landowner, PDC Energy, Inc., does not have any water rights
on the property.
G. Section 23-2-230.A.7 — The Design Standards (Section 23-2-240, Weld
County Code), Operation Standards (Section 23-2-250, Weld County
Code), Conditions of Approval and Development Standards can ensure
there are adequate provisions for the protection of the health, safety, and
welfare of the inhabitants of the neighborhood and County. This proposal
has been reviewed by the appropriate referral agencies and it has been
determined that the attached Conditions of Approval and Development
Standards ensure there are adequate provisions for the protection of the
health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of the neighborhood and
county and will address and mitigate impacts on the surrounding area with
the operation of this facility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the application of PDC Energy, Inc., do Thistle Solar, LLC, for a Site
Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR23-0045, for a Solar Energy
Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District,
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on the parcel of land described above, be, and hereby is, granted subject to the following
conditions:
1. Prior to recording the map:
A. A Road Maintenance Agreement (Construction) is required at this location.
Road maintenance includes, but is not limited to, dust control and damage
repair to specified haul routes, during construction.
B. A Final Traffic Report, stamped and signed by a Professional Engineer,
registered in the State of Colorado, is required.
C. The applicant shall submit an Easement Agreement for the access across
Lot A of RECX12-0003.
D. The applicant shall acknowledge the advisory referral comments of the
Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department, as stated in the referral
response dated December 29, 2023. Evidence of such shall be submitted,
in writing, to the Weld County Department of Planning Services.
E. The applicant shall acknowledge the advisory referral comments of
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, as stated in the referral response dated
January 2, 2024. Evidence of such shall be submitted, in writing, to the
Weld County Department of Planning Services.
F. The map shall be amended to delineate the following:
1) All sheets of the map shall be labeled USR23-0045.
2) The attached Development Standards.
3) The map shall be prepared, per Section 23-2-260.D and
Section 23-4-1030 of the Weld County Code.
4) The applicant shall show and label the required setbacks, in
accordance with Section 23-4-1030.C.3 of the Weld County Code.
5) The applicant shall show and label any existing and proposed solar
facility installations and electrical equipment, power lines,
structures, temporary work trailers, storage containers (limited to
two [2], per Section 23-3-30.B of the Weld County Code), storage
areas and miscellaneous improvements, as applicable. Clearly
indicate which equipment and structures are temporary for use
during construction and which items are permanent.
6) The applicant shall show and label the required fencing, gates and
any emergency and site identification signage, in accordance with
Section 23-2-240.A.12 and Section 23-4-1030.C.6 of the Weld
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County Code. Include fence and sign specification details on the
map. Refer to the Weld County Sign Code, as amended.
7) The applicant shall show and label the location of the temporary
trash collection areas, if applicable. Include specification details on
the USR map. Refer to Section 23-2-240.A.13 of the Weld County
Code for design criteria.
8) The applicant shall show and label any on -site lighting, if applicable.
All lighting shall be downcast and shielded so that light rays will not
shine directly onto adjacent properties. Include lighting specification
details on the USR map. Refer to Section 23-2-250.D of the Weld
County Code for design criteria.
9) The applicant shall show and label any planned oil and gas surface
development areas, corridors, access roadways, for example, part
of any executed Surface Use Agreement.
10) The applicant shall show and label all recorded easements and
rights -of -way on the map by book and page number or Reception
number and recording date.
11) County Road 31 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld
County Functional Classification Map as a local road, which
requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall
delineate and label the future and existing right-of-way (along with
the documents creating the existing right-of-way) and the physical
location of the road on the site map. All setbacks shall be measured
from the edge of the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld
County.
12) County Road 33 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld
County Functional Classification Map as a local road, which
requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall
delineate and label the future and existing right-of-way (along with
the documents creating the existing right-of-way) and the physical
location of the road on the site map. All setbacks shall be measured
from the edge of the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld
County.
13) County Road 36 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld
County Functional Classification Map as a local road, which
requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall
delineate and label the future and existing right-of-way (along with
the documents creating the existing right-of-way) and the physical
location of the road on the site map. All setbacks shall be measured
from the edge of the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld
County.
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14) The applicant shall show and label the existing, permitted access
points onto County Roads 31, 33, and 36, and the usage type(s)
(Agriculture, Residential, Commercial/Industrial, or Oil and Gas).
Development Review will review the access design as a part of the
plan submittal.
15) The applicant shall show and label the drainage flow arrows.
2. Upon completion of Condition of Approval #1 above, the applicant shall submit
one (1) electronic copy (.pdf) of the map for preliminary approval to the Weld
County Department of Planning Services. Upon approval of the map the applicant
shall submit a Mylar map along with all other documentation required as Conditions
of Approval. The Mylar map shall be recorded in the office of the Weld County
Clerk and Recorder by the Department of Planning Services. The map shall be
prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 23-2-260.D of the Weld
County Code. The Mylar map and additional requirements shall be submitted
within 120 days from the date of the Board of County Commissioners Resolution.
The applicant shall be responsible for paying the recording fee.
3. In accordance with Appendix 5-J of the Weld County Code, should the map not be
recorded within the required 120 days from the date of the Board of County
Commissioners Resolution, a $50.00 recording continuance charge shall be added
for each additional three (3) month period.
4. The Use by Special Review is not perfected until the Conditions of Approval are
completed and the map is recorded. Activity shall not occur, nor shall any Building
or Electrical Permits be issued on the property, until the Use by Special Review
map is ready to be recorded in the office of the Weld County Clerk and Recorder
or the applicant has been approved for an early release agreement.
5. Prior to Construction:
A. The approved tracking control shall be constructed prior to on -site
construction.
B. If more than one (1) acre is to be disturbed, a Weld County Grading Permit
will be required.
C. The applicant shall submit an irrevocable standby letter of credit, bond, or
alternate form of security in an amount sufficient to fund the estimated
decommissioning/reclamation costs, required by Section 23-4-1030.B.4 of
the Weld County Code, for acceptance and approval by the Weld County
Board of County Commissioners. Once approved, the Decommissioning
and Reclamation Plan shall be updated to include the approved security
information.
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The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 24th day of April, A.D., 2024.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST:
ddrit.&) Jelto;eie
Weld County Clerk to the Board
BYE TV . bdctA v % (J
Deputy Clerk to the Board
County At •rney 7''
Date of signature: 51 I `�`�
WELD COU
LORAD
KevinRoss, Chair
Perry L. Bu
Pro-Tem
ike Freeman 41/4....0..000,
K. James
Saine
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SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
PDC ENERGY, INC., C/O THISTLE SOLAR, LLC
USR23-0045
1 Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR23-0045, is for a
Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and historic townsites in the
A (Agricultural) Zone District, subject to the Development Standards stated hereon.
2. Approval of this plan may create a vested property right, pursuant to Section 23-8-10 of
the Weld County Code.
3. The Use by Special Review Permit shall be valid for three (3) years from the date of
approval. If the site is not selected for being a participant in any community solar program
the permit shall expire on the anniversary date of Board of County Commissioners
approval.
4. Any future structures or uses onsite must obtain the appropriate Zoning and Building
Permits.
5. The facility is unmanned and will operate year-round, according to the application
materials. Limited maintenance personnel may visit the site, once operational.
6. Height limitation. Ground -mounted solar collectors shall not exceed 25 feet in height,
measured from the highest grade below each solar panel, to the highest extent of the solar
panel rotation, per Section 23-4-1030.C.1 of the Weld County Code, as amended.
7 Glare. A SEF shall be designed, located, or placed so that concentrated solar glare from
its solar collectors will not be directed toward, or onto, nearby properties or roadways, at
any time of the day, per Section 23-4-1030.C.2 of the Weld County Code, as amended.
8. Setbacks. The Improved Area of the SEF shall conform to the setback requirements of the
underlying zone. Additionally, the improved area must be at least 500 feet from existing
residential buildings and residential lots of a platted subdivision or a planned unit
development. The residential setback requirement may be reduced if appropriate
screening, through landscape or an opaque fence, is installed, or upon submittal to Weld
County of a waiver, or informed consent, signed by the residence owner, agreeing to the
lesser setback. If landscaping or opaque fencing is substituted for setback, a Landscaping
Plan or Fencing Plan shall first be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of
Planning Services, per Section 23-4-1030.C.3 of the Weld County Code, as amended.
9. Dust mitigation. The operators of the SEF shall continuously employ the practices to
control fugitive dust, as detailed in their accepted Dust Mitigation Plan, per
Section 23-4-1030.C.4 of the Weld County Code, as amended.
10. Underground cables. All electrical cables on the improved area shall be buried, except for
direct current string wires that connect between solar collectors, and direct current
collection circuits between rows of solar arrays that are no more than four (4) feet above
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grade crossings, substations, switchyards, and circuit voltages greater than 34.5 kilovolts,
where necessary, per Section 23-4-1030.C.5 of the Weld County Code, as amended.
11. Fencing. The SEF shall be enclosed with a security fence, as approved, pursuant to the
Fencing Plan, shown heron. Appropriate signage shall be placed upon such fencing that
warns the public of the high voltage therein, per Section 23-4-1030.C.6 of the Weld County
Code. All signs shall adhere to the adopted Weld County Sign Code, as amended.
12. Stormwater management. The Operator of the SEF shall comply with the approved Final
Drainage Report and the required Storm Drainage Criteria, pursuant to Chapter 8,
Article XI of the Weld County Code. Ground -mounted solar collector systems shall be
exempt from impervious surface calculations if the soil under the collectors is designated
hydrologic A or B soil groups by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), per
Section 23-4-1030.C.7 of the Weld County Code, as amended.
13. Access Permit. Prior to construction of the SEF, the applicant shall apply for, and obtain,
an approved Access Permit from the Weld County Department of Planning Services,
pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 8, Article XIV of the Weld County Code, per
Section 23-4-1030.C.8, as amended.
14. Existing irrigation systems. The nature and location or expansion of the SEF must not
unreasonably interfere with any irrigation systems on, or adjacent to, the solar facility, per
Section 23-4-1030.C.9 of the Weld County Code, as amended.
15. The site shall adhere to the accepted Decommissioning and Reclamation Plan, per
Section 23-4-1030.B.4.h of the Weld County Code, as amended. Weld County shall have
the right to draw upon the irrevocable standby letter of credit, or other form of financial
security, to pay for decommissioning in the event that the holder has not commenced
decommissioning/reclamation activities within 90 days of the Board of County
Commissioners' order or Resolution directing decommissioning/reclamation.
16. The site shall be maintained in accordance with the accepted Property Maintenance Plan.
17. All signs shall adhere to Chapter 23, Article IV, Division 2 of the Weld County Code.
18. Sources of light shall be shielded so that light rays will not shine directly onto adjacent
properties where such would cause a nuisance or interfere with the use on the adjacent
properties, in accordance with the plan. Neither the direct, nor reflected, light from any
light source may create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public or private
streets. No colored lights may be used, which may be confused with, or construed as,
traffic control devices.
19. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for controlling noxious weeds on the
site, pursuant to Chapter 15, Articles I and II, of the Weld County Code.
20. The access to the site shall be maintained to mitigate any impacts to the public road,
including damages and/or off -site tracking.
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21. Any work that may occupy and/or encroach upon any County rights -of -way or easement
shall require an approved Right -of -Way Use Permit, prior to commencement.
22. The property owner shall comply with all requirements provided in the executed Road
Maintenance Agreement.
23. Prior to the release of Building Permits, the applicant shall be required to submit a
complete access application for a commercial access, as shown on this plan.
24. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts on the site will be maintained.
25. During construction, all liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal
Sites and Facilities Act, C.R.S. §30-20-100.5) shall be stored and removed for final
disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater contamination.
26. During construction, no permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. This
is not meant to include those wastes specifically excluded from the definition of a solid
waste in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, C.R.S. §30-20-100.5.
27. During construction, waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed of in a
manner that controls fugitive dust, fugitive particulate emissions, blowing debris, and other
potential nuisance conditions. The facility shall operate in accordance with Chapter 14,
Article I of the Weld County Code.
28. Fugitive dust and fugitive particulate emissions shall be controlled throughout the duration
of construction of the facility.
29. During construction, adequate toilet facilities and handwashing units shall be provided.
Portable toilets shall be serviced by a cleaner licensed in Weld County, contain hand
sanitizers, be screened from public view, and removed when construction is completed.
30. The facility shall comply with the Air Pollution Emission Notice (A.P.E.N.) permit
requirements, as stipulated by the Air Pollution Control Division of the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment, as applicable.
31. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of state and federal
agencies and the Weld County Code.
32. Building Permits may be required for any new construction, set up of manufactured
structures, or change of use of existing buildings, per Section 29-3-10 of the Weld County
Code. Buildings and structures shall conform to the requirements of the various codes
adopted at the time of permit application. Currently, the following have been adopted by
Weld County: 2018 International Codes, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code,
2020 National Electrical Code, and Chapter 29 of the Weld County Code. A Building
Permit application must be completed and two (2) complete sets of engineered plans,
bearing the wet stamp of a Colorado registered architect or engineer, must be submitted
for review. A Geotechnical Engineering Report, performed by a Colorado registered
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engineer, or an Open Hole Inspection shall be required. A Building Permit must be issued
prior to the start of construction.
33. Building Permits issued on the proposed lots will be required to adhere to the fee structure
of the County -Wide Road Impact Fee, County Facility Fee, and Drainage Impact Fee
Programs.
34. All buildings shall comply with the setback from oil and gas wells, per Section 23-4-700,
as amended.
35. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with the Design and
Operation Standards of Chapter 23 of the Weld County Code.
36. Necessary personnel from the Weld County Departments of Planning Services, Public
Works, and Public Health and Environment shall be granted access onto the property at
any reasonable time in order to ensure the activities carried out on the property comply
with the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards stated herein and all
applicable Weld County regulations.
37. The Use by Special Review area shall be limited to the plans shown hereon and governed
by the foregoing standards and all applicable Weld County regulations. Substantial
changes from the plans or Development Standards, as shown or stated, shall require the
approval of an amendment of the Permit by the Weld County Board of County
Commissioners before such changes from the plans or Development Standards are
permitted. Any other changes shall be filed in the office of the Department of Planning
Services.
38. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with all of the foregoing
Development Standards. Noncompliance with any of the foregoing Development
Standards may be reason for revocation of the Permit by the Board of County
Commissioners.
39. Construction or use pursuant to approval of a Use by Special Review Permit shall be
commenced within three (3) years from the date of approval, unless otherwise specified
by the Board of County Commissioners when issuing the original Permit, or the Permit
shall be vacated. The Director of the Department of Planning Services may grant an
extension of time, for good cause shown, upon a written request by the landowner.
40. A Use by Special Review shall terminate when the use is discontinued for a period of
three (3) consecutive years, the use of the land changes, or the time period established
by the Board of County Commissioners, through the approval process, expires. The
landowner may notify the Department of Planning Services of a termination of the use, or
Planning Services staff may observe that the use has been terminated. When either the
Department of Planning Services is notified by the landowner, or when the Department of
Planning Services observes that the use may have been terminated, the Planner shall
send certified written notice to the landowner asking that the landowner request to vacate
the Use by Special Review Permit.
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41. In such cases where the Use by Special Review has terminated but the landowner does
not agree to request to vacate the Use by Special Review Permit, a hearing shall be
scheduled with the Board of County Commissioners to provide the landowner an
opportunity to request that the Use by Special Review Permit not be vacated, for good
cause shown. The landowner shall be notified at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing.
If the Board of County Commissioners determines that the Use by Special Review has
terminated and no good cause has been shown for continuing the permit, then the
termination becomes final, and the Use by Special Review Permit is vacated.
42. RIGHT TO EXTRACT MINERAL RESOURCES STATEMENT: Weld County has some of
the most abundant mineral resources, including, but not limited to, sand and gravel, oil,
natural gas, and coal. Under Title 34 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, minerals are vital
resources because (a) the state's commercial mineral deposits are essential to the state's
economy; (b) the populous counties of the state face a critical shortage of such deposits;
and (c) such deposits should be extracted according to a rational plan, calculated to avoid
waste of such deposits and cause the least practicable disruption of the ecology and
quality of life of the citizens of the populous counties of the state. Mineral resource
locations are widespread throughout the County and people moving into these areas must
recognize the various impacts associated with this development. Oftentimes, mineral
resource sites are fixed to their geographical and geophysical locations. Moreover, these
resources are protected property rights and mineral owners should be afforded the
opportunity to extract the mineral resource.
43. The Weld County Right to Farm Statement, as it appears in Section 22-2-30.A.4.a of the
Weld County Code, shall be placed on the map and recognized at all times.
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