At Monday’s meeting, the Carroll City Council approved the first reading of a zoning ordinance amendment that will allow a proposed small-scale welding shop to be constructed on agricultural land within Carroll’s two-mile zoning control. Collin and Dick Wernimont approached the council in February requesting permission to build on their property northeast of town. That request was denied on a 3-3 vote due to council concerns regarding conflicts within the city’s existing P&Z comprehensive plan and state code regulations on the use of protected ag land. City Manager Aaron Kooiker says he and the staff have been working with the Wernimonts and the local P&Z board to find a path forward that would allow the project to proceed.
The amendment would allow ag-related businesses to be constructed on A-2 zoned land as long as it is consistent with the associated farming operation and does not employ more than 15 employees. The amendment is being advanced at the request of the Wernimonts, but city officials note this change would apply to any property owner with similarly zoned land if approved by the board of adjustment. Wernimont thanked the council for working with them through the process.
Wernimont did seek clarification on how the amended rules could impact the business years down the line, such as what would happen if the business grows to the point of expansion or needs new facilities. Ward 4 Councilwoman Carolyn Siemann says they can only meet current requests, and it is not feasible to account for 10, 20, or 30 years into the future.
Mayor Mark Beardmore added the council wants to be supportive of young entrepreneurs. However, they still have to operate within the constraints of the Iowa Code. Monday’s first reading was approved on a 5-0 vote, and the second reading is scheduled for the council’s April 24 meeting. A copy of the amended zoning ordinance and video from this section of the council’s meeting is included below.
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