Planning commission approves temporary fireworks sales permit near Lennox, adds one‑year review

The Lincoln County Planning Commission on May 12 approved a conditional use permit allowing a temporary nine‑day fireworks sales tent on a roughly 2‑acre A‑1 parcel east of Lennox, while adding a condition that the permit be reviewed by the county after one year.

County planner Toby Brower presented the application and said firework sales are allowed as a temporary use in A‑1 zoning for a nine‑day period and that the applicant must obtain a state fireworks permit with the statutory requirements (signage guaranteeing no smoking within a defined distance and restrictions on discharge). Brower said staff recommended approval with seven conditions and noted the city of Lennox submitted a letter opposing the CUP and requesting additional restrictions.

Applicant Andy Jordanson told the commission he had operated at the county 4‑H grounds previously and sought the temporary site this year because of municipal construction, adding that he had coordinated with the adjacent Prosper Events to use an access and the hydrant if needed. "We're not trying to park here forever," Jordanson said, asking for permission to sell for the nine‑day period and noting prior compliance with staff requirements.

Chair read a May 12, 2026 letter from Lennox city administrator Nathan Vandenlat, who said the nearest public hydrant is over 1,000 ft away, urged conditions including no smoking and no discharge within 300 ft, and cited Lennox’s comprehensive‑plan goals that discourage commercial development outside the city boundaries. Commissioners debated whether to add the city's requested setbacks and staff warned extending setbacks beyond state requirements could raise legal issues for private property rights.

Commissioner Scott moved to add an eighth condition that the permit be reviewed after one year; commissioners approved the amendment by roll call. The commission then approved the CUP as amended by roll call vote; present commissioners voted in favor.

Next steps: The permit is effective as approved; the applicant must secure state permitting as required and comply with the county’s conditions, including the new provision for a one‑year review. The county staff noted that appeals of conditional use permits must be submitted to the county planning and zoning office within five business days.