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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230070.tiffRESOLUTION RE: APPROVE SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT, USR22-0027, FOR A SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY (SEF) OUTSIDE OF SUBDIVISIONS AND HISTORIC TOWNSITES IN THE A (AGRICULTURAL) ZONE DISTRICT - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, 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 4th day of January, 2023, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., in the Chambers of the Board, for the purpose of hearing the application of CBEP Land 2, LLC, c/o CBEP Solar 2, LLC, c/o CBEP Solar 8, LLC, 4845 Pearl East Circle, Suite 118 #53242, Boulder, Colorado 80301, for a Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR22-0027, 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: Part of the W1/2 of Section 34, Township 6 North, Range 65 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 22-2-10 states: the Guiding Principles that serve as the foundation for land use policy in the County. 1) Section 22-2-10.B states: "One of the basic principles upon which the United States was founded is the right of citizens to own and utilize property so long as that use complies with local regulations and does not interfere with or infringe upon the rights of others." The applicant/property owner has made a business decision on the highest and best use of his property, currently in a dry -up covenant. Of the 113 -acre parcel, 35 acres will be utilized for the proposed Solar Energy Facility (SEF). The land under the solar panels will be Cc :PL('reMwfwo), CA (Q8), APPL o t /26 /23 2023-0070 PL2852 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, CIO CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, CIO CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 2 planted with a dry -land native grass seed that has been generally accepted for re -vegetation purposes for the entire parcel and will be maintained with no allowance for noxious weed growth. 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 with limited traffic generation, once operational. The applicant has proposed screening for residences within 500 feet of the facility. 3) Section 22-2-60.B "Support responsible energy and mineral development." According to the application, the Solar Energy Facility will connect into the Xcel Energy power grid. The application states that efforts will be made to protect the soil and minimize the impacts to the area. Further, once operational, the proposed SEF creates no noise, odor, light or flickering, vibration, vermin, dust, or other nuisances. The operation of the SEF is virtually unnoticeable to neighboring properties and it will not impact surrounding property owners' right to quiet enjoyment. 4) Section 22-2-60.B.2 states: "Ensure that infrastructure, such as adequate roads and utilities, exists or can be made available prior to development of energy and mineral resource production facilities." This portion of County Road 64 is a gravel road that is currently in engineering review as part of the County Road 66 alignment study, and possible right-of-way acquisition that could potentially impact setbacks. There is existing overhead electric service located south of County Road 64. B. Section 23-2-230.6.2 — The proposed use is consistent with the intent of the A (Agricultural) Zone District. 1) Section 23-3-40.FF — Uses by Special Review of the Weld County Code includes, "Solar Energy Facilities (SEFs), being more than five (5) acres in size but less than one hundred sixty (160) acres in the Near/Urban Area or being more than five (5) acres but less than three hundred twenty (320) acres in the Ag/Rural Area." The proposed facility footprint is in the urban area. 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. The applicant/property owner has made a business decision on the highest and best us of the 35 -acre area for the solar energy facility. The proposed compact solar energy resource development will conserve lands and minimize the impact 2023-0070 PL2852 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, CIO CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, CIO CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 3 on surrounding land and the existing surrounding land uses. The proposal meets the intent of the A (Agricultural) Zone District, including the Principles, Goals and Objectives, as outlined in Chapter 22 and permitted under Chapter 23, as the facility will produce energy harvested from the sun and will not interfere with adjacent agricultural operations. C. Section 23-2-230.6.3 — The uses which will be permitted will be compatible with the existing surrounding land uses. The property is within 500 feet of 14 parcels, with six (6) homes, and the solar facility footprint is located within 500 feet of four (4) homes, specifically west of and north of the SEF footprint. As part of the application process, Weld County provided notice to these property owners and no responses were received. The proposed visual mitigation, Conditions of Approval and Development Standards will assist in mitigating the impacts of the facility on adjacent properties and ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses and region. D. Section 23-2-230.6.4 — 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 designated as an Opportunity Zone on the Weld County Comprehensive Plan. The site is located within the three (3) mile referral area of the City of Greeley and within the three (3) mile referral area and the Coordinated Planning Agreement area for the Town of Kersey. The 2016 Town of Kersey Comprehensive Plan delineates the Kersey Influence Area extending to County Road 62. The subject property is located on County Road 66 and is, therefore, outside of Kersey's Future Land Use Planning Area. The City of Greeley, in an email dated October 12, 2022, stated, "The subject site is located within Greeley's Long Range Expected Growth Area the area in which the community anticipates annexation and urban development to occur in the future." And included an advisory comment "... we understand there is not currently water/irrigation available on the subject site, we would appreciate consideration for future landscape perimeter buffering and screening...." The Town of Kersey returned the Notice of Inquiry (NOI), dated July 29, 2022, with no concerns. E. Section 23-2-230.B.5 — The application complies with Chapter 23, Articles V and XI, of the Weld County Code. The property is within the Airport Overlay District. The proposed SEF complies with the height limitations outlined in Chapter 23, Article V, Section 23-5-30 Airport Zone height limitations. Further, the proposed SEF will not create electrical interference, include any lights, result in any glare in the eyes of pilots, impair visibility in the vicinity of the Airport, create bird strike hazards, or otherwise interfere in any way with the operations of the Airport, as required 2023-0070 PL2852 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, CIO CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 4 by Chapter 23, Article V, Section 23-5-40, use restrictions. The applicant will be required to file with the Federal Aviation Administration, who will ensure that the proposed SEF fully complies with FAA requirements for the Greeley -Weld County Airport. The property is not within the 1-25 Overlay District, Geologic Hazard Overlay District, MS4 - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System area, Historic Townsites Overlay District, or Agricultural Heritage Overlay District. Building Permits issued on the property 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. In 2015, Sorin Natural Resource Partners, LLC (Sorin), owners of the subject property formerly described as Lot B of RECX13-0060, and is now described via a metes and bounds via a Partial Vacation executed, and recorded a permanent Dry -Up Covenant and Easement. The Dry -Up Covenant and Easement, recorded September 28, 2015, under Reception No. 4145503, states the conditions restrict the use of water and water shares on this property. Para phrasing here, Sorin or their successors shall not allow the planting of any crops, which can extend roots into the underlying groundwater, including, but not limited to, alfalfa. Sorin or their successors shall re -vegetate the property during or before the first growing period after the effective date of this Covenant with a dryland native grass seed that has been generally accepted for re -vegetation purposes on this land subject to dry up and shall maintain the desired vegetation growth and take reasonable measures to keep the property free of noxious weeds. The current property owner, as successor, will continue to maintain the dry land native grasses and will reseed as required for re -vegetation purposes, not only the area under the solar panels, but the entire parcel, per the covenant. G. Section 23-2-230.B.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. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the application of CBEP Land 2, LLC, do CBEP Solar 2, LLC, do CBEP Solar 8, LLC, for a Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR22-0027, for a Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and historic townsites 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: 2023-0070 PL2852 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, CIO CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 5 A. The applicant shall acknowledge the advisory comments of the Weld County Department of Planning Services — Floodplain Administrator, as stated in the updated referral response, dated September 28, 2022. Evidence of such shall be submitted, in writing, to the Weld County Department of Planning Services. B. The applicant shall acknowledge the advisory comments of the City of Greeley, as stated in the referral response, dated October 12, 2022. Evidence of such shall be submitted, in writing, to the Weld County Department of Planning Services. C. The applicant shall submit a dryland seed mix, acceptable per the dry -up covenant and easement requirements for review and acceptance. D. The applicant shall submit a landscape maintenance plan aimed at retaining the desired vegetation while keeping the property free of noxious weeds. E. The applicant shall submit a Fencing Plan for review and acceptance, if not utilizing the perimeter game fence with gates, as stated in the application materials. F. 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. G. A Final Drainage Report and Certification of Compliance, stamped and signed by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Colorado, is required. H. The map shall be amended to delineate the following: 1) All sheets of the map shall be labeled USR22-0027. 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 the floodplain and floodway (if applicable) boundaries on the map. Label the floodplain boundaries with the FEMA Flood Zone and FEMA Map Panel Number or appropriate study. 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 23-3-30.6 of the Weld 2023-0070 PL2852 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 6 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 emergency/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) Setback radiuses for existing oil and gas tank batteries, wellheads, and encumbrances, if applicable. Setback requirements are located in Section 23-3-70.E of the Weld County Code. 10) Planned oil and gas surface development areas, corridors, access roadways, etc., as part of any executed Surface Use Agreement, if applicable. 11) The Screening Plan for residences within 500 feet, unless a waiver from the resident has been supplied to the Department of Planning Services. 12) County Road 64 is a paved 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 or plat. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. 13) This portion of County Road 62 is under the jurisdiction of the City of Greeley. Please contact the municipality to verify the right-of-way. Show and label the right-of-way. Show the approved access(es) on the site plan and label with the approved Access Permit number, if applicable. 14) The applicant shall show and label the proposed access point onto County Road 64 and the usage type (Agriculture, Residential, 2023-0070 PL2852 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 7 Commercial/Industrial, or Oil and Gas). Development Review will review the access location as a part of the plan submittal. 15) The applicant shall show and label the entrance gate, if applicable. An access approach that is gated shall be designed so that the longest vehicle (including trailers) using the access can completely clear the traveled way when the gate is closed. In no event shall the distance from the gate to the edge of the traveled surface be less than 35 feet. 16) The applicant shall show and label the drainage flow arrows. 17) If applicable, 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. 18) All recorded easements and 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 approved access and 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 prior to the start of construction. 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 23-4-1030.6.4 of 2023-0070 PL2852 SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, CIO CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 8 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 Permit 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 plat 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. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 4th day of January, A.D., 2023. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: ddifiGv.w ;,,i, m man, Chair Per L. Bu , Pro-Tem Sc Weld County Clerk to the Board BY: APP A t rney Date of signature: 0!/24/23 tt K. Ja mes evin D. Ross Lori Saine 2023-0070 PL2852 SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CBEP LAND 2, LLC C/O CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC USR22-0027 1. Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR22-0027, 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. Any future structures or uses onsite must obtain the appropriate Zoning and Building Permits. 4. The facility is unmanned and will operate year-round. Limited maintenance personnel may visit the site once operational. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7 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. 8. Underground cables. All electrical cables on the improved area shall be buried, except for direct current string wires that connect between solar collectors, direct current collection circuits between rows of solar arrays that are no more than four (4) feet above grade crossings, substations, switchyards, and circuit voltages greater than 34.5 kilovolts (where necessary). 9. 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. 10. 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 this 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). 11. Decommissioning. The site shall adhere to the accepted Decommissioning and Reclamation Plan. Weld County shall have the right to draw upon the irrevocable standby 2023-0070 PL2852 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 2 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. 12. The site shall be maintained in accordance with accepted Property Maintenance Plan. 13. The property owner shall maintain compliance with the Dry -Up Covenant and Easement, recorded September 28, 2015, under Reception No. 4145503, at all times. 14. A Flood Hazard Development Permit is required for all construction or development occurring in the floodplain or floodway, as delineated on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FIRM Community Panel Maps #08123C -1535E, issue date January 16, 2016 (Sand Creek Floodplain). Any development shall comply with all applicable Weld County requirements, Colorado Water Conservation Board requirements as described in Rules and Regulations for Regulatory Floodplains in Colorado, and FEMA regulations and requirements as described in 44 CFR parts 59, 60, and 65. The FEMA definition of development is any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling operations, or storage of equipment and materials. 15. FEMA's floodplain boundaries may be updated at any time by FEMA. Prior to the start of any development activities, the owner should contact Weld County to determine if the floodplain boundaries have been modified. 16. 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. 17. 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. 18. 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. 19. 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. 20. Fugitive dust and fugitive particulate emissions shall be controlled throughout the duration of construction of the facility. 21. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of state and federal agencies and the Weld County Code. 2023-0070 PL2852 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 3 22. 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. 23. The access to the site shall be maintained to mitigate any impacts to the public road, including damages and/or off -site tracking. 24. 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. 25. The property owner shall comply with all requirements provided in the executed Road Maintenance Agreement. 26. Weld County is not responsible for the maintenance of on -site drainage related features. 27. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts on the site will be maintained. 28. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with the Design and Operation Standards of Chapter 23 of the Weld County Code. 29. 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. 30. 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. 31. 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. 32. 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. 33. 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 2023-0070 PL2852 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (USR22-0027) - CBEP LAND 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 2, LLC, C/O CBEP SOLAR 8, LLC PAGE 4 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. 34. 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. Often, 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. 35. 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. 2023-0070 PL2852 Hello