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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20233147.tiffRESOLUTION RE: APPROVE SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT, USR23-0033, FOR A 1.5 MW SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY (SEF) IN THE A (AGRICULTURAL) ZONE DISTRICT - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, 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 8th day of November, 2023, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., in the Chambers of the Board, for the purpose of hearing the application of John Scott Byrnes Trust, 46246 County Road 13, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524, do CBEP Solar 28, LLC, P.O. Box 1255, Sterling, Colorado 80751, for a Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR23-0033, for a 1.5 MW Solar Energy Facility (SEF) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District, on the following described real estate, being more particularly described as follows: N1/2 SW1/4 of Section 7, Township 8 North, Range 67 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado WHEREAS, at said hearing, the applicant was present, 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 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 on 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 [Comprehensive Plan] shall be consistent and promote financially responsible growth." The Solar Energy Facility (SEF) will provide construction jobs and energy to Weld County, which directly cc: PL (ERMN/C&/P4v1/DR), CR(KM', ASR(s&), 14PPL., RPPL. REP. 01/24 /2'-I 2023-3147 PL0181 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, CIO CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 2 supports economic prosperity. The 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 impacts from the SEF. The facility is to be placed on the far eastern end of the property and maximizes the setback to County Road (CR) 13. B. Section 23-2-230.B.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." This Code Section supports the installation of the subject SEF, which is for energy development. The facility will provide power to be utilized by residences, businesses, and farming operations in Weld County. 2) Section 23-3-40.FF — Uses by Special Review, of the Weld County Code include, "Solar Energy Facilities (SEF'S), being more than five (5) acres in size, but less than 160 acres, in the Near/Urban Area, as shown on Appendix 21-8, or being more than five (5) acres, but less than 320 acres, in the Agricultural/Rural Area, as shown on Appendix 21-B." This Code Section allows the applicant to apply for the subject SEF, being located in the Near/Urban Area, as shown by map, in Appendix 21-B. Per Section 23-1-90 of the Weld County Code, a "Solar Energy Facility" means: "a commercial facility whose primary purpose is to supply electricity and consists of one (1) or more solar arrays and other accessory structures, equipment, including substations, switchyards, battery storage, electrical infrastructure, generators, transmission lines, communications infrastructure, and other appurtenant structures and/or facilities." The SEF will encumber approximately 19.48 acres and qualifies as an SEF USR. The USR facility will also include two (2) storage containers for construction 2023-3147 PL0181 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, CIO CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 3 and operation usage, being Accessory Uses, permitted by Section 23-3-30.6 of the Weld County Code. The applicant is also proposing a temporary construction trailer office, during construction. Per Section 23-4-190 of the Weld County Code: "a zoning permit shall not be required for a manufactured structure in the A (Agricultural) Zone District if such structure is already shown on an approved and recorded Use by Special Review map." C. Section 23-2-230.B.3 — The uses which will be permitted will be compatible with the existing surrounding land uses. The adjacent lands consist of pastures, crops, and rural residences. The SEF is located approximately 2,000 feet to the east and the closest residence is about 700 feet to the southwest. There are ten (10) USRs within one (1) mile of the site. Eight (8) USRs (USR-757, USR-758, USR-761, USR-780, USR-781, USR-782, USR-783 and USR-784) were to allow a single-family residence to be constructed under a Code Section that is no longer a part of the Weld County Code. USR-782 is located on the subject parcel, and the two (2) remaining USRs are SUP -1, for a 400 -foot radio tower, and USR15-0054, for an Excavation Business/Shop and Parking. The Weld County Department of Planning Services sent notice to six (6) surrounding property owners (SPOs) and no written response or phone calls were received regarding this case. The applicant submitted documentation showing they held a neighborhood meeting on August 10, 2023, and no SPOs attended the meeting. 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 23-2-230.8.4 — 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 the Weld County Code and any other applicable Code provisions or ordinances in effect, or the adopted Master Plans of affected municipalities. The site is not located within a three (3) mile referral area, or within a Coordinated Planning Agreement (CPA) boundary of any municipality. Larimer County Planning, in the referral response, received August 1, 2023, stated they had no comments regarding the request. E. Section 23-2-230.9.5 — The application complies with Chapter 23, Articles V and XI, of the Weld County Code. The property is not located within any overlay district officially adopted by the County, including 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, or 2023-3147 PL0181 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 4 Agricultural Heritage Overlay District. 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 Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Soil Survey indicated 18.7% of the site consists of (3-9% slope) Renohill-Shingle complex soils. The facility will be located in this location on the property and said soil type is identified as "Not prime farmland." The applicant proposed to plant a native seed mixture and graze sheep on the site to maintain vegetation at a height of 18-22 inches. G. Section 23-2-230.6.7 — 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 that 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 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 John Scott Byrnes Trust, do CBEP Solar 28, LLC, for a Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR23-0033, for a 1.5 MW Solar Energy Facility (SEF) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District, 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 Drainage Report and Certification of Compliance, stamped and signed by a Professional Engineer, registered in the State of Colorado, is required. C. The applicant shall acknowledge the comments of the Weld County Department of Building Inspection, as stated in the referral response, received July 14, 2023. Written evidence of such shall be provided to the Department of Planning Services. D. A Landscape and Screening Plan that screens the site from the surrounding property owners and rights -of -way shall be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Planning Services. 2023-3147 PL0181 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 5 E. The map shall be amended to delineate the following: 1) All sheets of the map shall be labeled USR23-0033. 2) The attached Development Standards. 3) The map shall be prepared in accordance with Section 23-2-260.D 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) 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 items are temporary for use during construction and which items are permanent. 6) 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 County Code. 7) 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. 8) Trash collection areas, if applicable. Section 23-2-240.A.13 of the Weld County Code addresses the issue of trash collection areas. 9) County Road 13 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. 10) The applicant shall show and label the existing and proposed access point(s) onto County Road 13 and the usage type(s) (Agriculture, Residential, Commercial/Industrial, or Oil and Gas). Development Review will review the access location as a part of the plan submittal. 2023-3147 PL0181 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 6 11) The applicant shall show and label the accepted drainage features. Stormwater ponds should be labeled as "Stormwater Detention, No -Build or Storage Area" and shall include the calculated volume. 12) The applicant shall show and label all recorded easements and the rights -of -way shall be delineated on the plat by book and page number or Reception number. 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 specified timeline from the date of the Board of County Commissioners Resolution, a $50.00 recording continuance fee shall be added for each additional three (3) month period. 4. Prior to Construction: A. The Access Permit shall be obtained, and an approved tracking control method shall be constructed. 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. 5. 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. 2023-3147 PL0181 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 7 The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 8th day of November, A.D., 2023. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: Weld County Clerk to the Board By:(-40accb-al aAtork. Deputy Clerk to the Board APPOVED AS TA FORM: Dej tt { County Attorney Date of signature: 1117,117-5 Mike eeman, Chair erry BucJF, Pro-Tem . James ri Saine 2023-3147 PL0181 SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC USR23-0033 1 Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR23-0033, is for a 1.5 MW Solar Energy Facility (SEF) 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. 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 natural grade below each solar panel, to the highest extent of the solar panel rotation. 7 Glare. The SEF shall be 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. 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 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 for control of fugitive dust, 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 2023-3147 PL0181 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 2 grade crossings, substations, switchyards, and circuit voltages greater than 34.5 kilovolts, where necessary. 11. Fencing. The SEF shall be enclosed with a security fence, as accepted, pursuant to the Fencing Plan, as presented in the application materials. Appropriate signage shall be placed upon such fencing that warns the public of the high voltage therein. 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). 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 Public Works, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 8, Article XIV the Weld County Code, per Section 23-4-1030.C.8 of the Weld County Code, 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. Decommissioning. The site shall adhere to the accepted Decommissioning and Reclamation Plan. 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 and reclamation activities within 90 days of the Board of County Commissioners' order or Resolution directing decommissioning and 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, and Division 2 of the Weld County Code. 18. 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. 19. The access to the site shall be maintained to mitigate any impacts to the public road, including damages and/or off -site tracking. 20. 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. 21. There shall be no parking or staging of vehicles on public roads. 22. The property owner shall comply with all requirements provided in the executed Road Maintenance Agreement. 2023-3147 PL0181 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 3 23. Weld County is not responsible for the maintenance of on -site drainage related features. 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 and operation 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 facility shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise levels allowed in the Residential Zone, as delineated in C.R.S. §25-12-103. 32. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of state and federal agencies and the Weld County Code. 33. Lighting shall be maintained in accordance with the approved Lighting Plan. 34. Sources of light shall be shielded so that light rays will not shine directly onto adjacent properties. Sources of light should not cause a nuisance or interfere with the use on the adjacent properties in accordance with the map. 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. 35. 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 2023-3147 PL0181 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 4 Weld County: 2018 International Codes, 2020 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 engineer, or an Open Hole Inspection shall be required. A Building Permit must be issued, prior to the start of construction. 36. Building Permits issued on the proposed lots will be required to adhere to the fee structure of the County Facility Fee, County -Wide Road Impact Fee, and Drainage Impact Fee Programs. 37. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with the Design and Operation Standards of Chapter 23 of the Weld County Code. 38. All buildings shall comply with the setback from oil and gas wells, per Section 23-4-700, as amended. 39. 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. 40. 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. 41. 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. 42. Construction or use pursuant to approval of a Use by Special Review Permit shall be commenced within three (3) years from the date of Board of County Commissioners signed Resolution, 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. 43. 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 2023-3147 PL0181 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (USR23-0033) - JOHN SCOTT BYRNES TRUST, C/O CBEP SOLAR 28, LLC PAGE 5 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. 44. 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. 45. 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. 46. 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. 2023-3147 PL0181 Hello