Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sheridan public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in zoning
Rezoning of 26.30 acres to B-2 Business District
Sheridan College land near the future High Tech Business Park moves one step closer to B-2 Business zoning, opening it to a wider range of commercial uses. No public opposition, and one previously opposed councilmember changed his vote.
Rezone of Yellowtail Drive corridor land from education/residential to business zoning
A 26-acre lot originally zoned for a Native American education campus that never got built could become a church site. The business zoning also keeps the parcel flexible if the church project falls through, matching the light-industrial growth along Yellowtail Drive.
Data center policy for Sheridan
Resident Sam Grover urged the council to start drafting a policy, possibly a moratorium, on data centers, citing water use, energy bills, noise and pollution problems in Cheyenne and elsewhere. The mayor noted no one has approached the city and the city proper likely lacks a suitable site.
Cloud Peak Ranch 15-A rezone
Nine-forty Cubby Run Road is now rezoned so the owner can run an outdoor storage yard for boats and RVs, with possible indoor storage later. The neighbor next door is fine with it since it's the same owner as the existing storage facility nearby.
Deannexation of 1.5 Acres at 4672 Coffeen Avenue
A landowner wanted 1.5 acres pulled out of the city to do a lot-line adjustment with a county neighbor, but council members worried it creates a county island surrounded by city land. Access and drainage problems on Trout Lane were at the heart of the dispute.
Planned Unit Development Rezone at 940 Covey Run Rd (PL-26-23)
A 3.4-acre site next to the existing Twin Buttes storage facility would be rezoned to a PUD allowing only outdoor boat, RV and vehicle storage — deliberately limiting uses that broader B-2 or M-1 zoning would allow. A nearby resident worried about visual blight and property values.
Storage Sheds and Shipping Containers in Public Right of Way
Council Member Weitzel raised whether a shed on skids can sit in the street right of way, and noted shipping containers parked at curbs. Staff said enforcement is complaint-based and no code specifically addresses shipping containers — a possible loophole to review.
Joint Planning Area agreement with Sheridan County
The city and county will jointly update the JPA plan, with the city paying two-thirds of the cost; a consultant RFQ is coming and public forums are promised.