Planning commission recommends 300-foot setbacks for liquid asphalt storage

The Shelbyville Planning Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation for an ordinance that would establish a land-use classification and standards for liquid asphalt storage, including a 300-foot setback from non-industrial uses.

Staff explained that liquid asphalt storage is a storage-only use distinct from asphalt batch manufacturing and described a typical facility (two vertical tanks supplied by rail, then pumped into trucks). "What's being proposed here is 70,000 gallons," Tom said, contrasting that with larger facilities he visited that can hold around 300,000 gallons.

Tom cited a small number of recorded incidents and a 2023 North Carolina leak as examples of potential hazards; he also described the material's behavior during an incident: "This material when it cools it actually turns into a taffy that you can roll it like a fruit rollup." Commissioners were concerned about proximity to existing residential areas and a nearby school and discussed notification and evacuation planning. Staff said notification is typically tied to rezoning and special exceptions but noted that council could ask staff to recommend additional notification requirements.

Commissioners also discussed how the 300-foot figure was derived—staff said it was informed by Mount Pleasant's ordinance and industry guidance and clarified that measurements in the draft are from property lot lines. After discussion a motion to forward a favorable recommendation with a 300-foot distance requirement from non-industrial uses passed by roll call with all voting members in favor.

The recommendation will go to the City Council for its readings and any further modification.