Board allows asphalt millings instead of full paving for contractor yard at Black Hills Industrial Center

The Rapid City Zoning Board approved a variance allowing the use of asphalt millings — rather than a fully hard-surfaced pavement — for a roughly 19,000-square-foot contractor storage yard behind a contractor shop at 5823 Capacitor Street in the Black Hills Industrial Center.

Staff member Jessica (S10) said the site is in a Heavy Industrial zoning district, has limited nearby residences and low traffic volumes, and that asphalt millings are a typical alternative surface for heavy-equipment operations. "They are requesting a variance to the hard surface paving requirements for the contractor storage yard, to allow asphalt millings in lieu of that hard surface," she said. Staff recommended approval with a stipulation requiring application of a dust palliative as needed or annually to address dust and tracking.

Commissioners asked about recourse if millings create future problems and about access; staff and commissioners said the heavy-industrial zoning and the yard’s rear location limit neighborhood impacts, and the stipulation on dust palliative would be the primary enforcement mechanism. Commissioner Karen moved to approve the variance with the dust-control stipulation; the board approved by voice vote.