The Planning and Zoning Commission serves as a vital civic body for the municipality of Amalga, handling administrative procedures and land management decisions. According to the commission's June 3, 2026, meeting minutes, the body is composed of several members, including Chairman Nate Noyes, LeAnn Campbell, April Hansen, and Secretary Dave Lee. This group meets to review various applications, ordinances, and public hearings to shape the development and regulatory landscape of the town.
During its regular meetings, the commission addresses a wide range of local issues, from small residential structures to significant commercial developments. For instance, in a meeting held on June 3, 2026, the commission reviewed a zoning clearance application from Tyler Hansen for a 10X20 foot shed at 8005 N 2400 W. The commission approved the request for the structure, which was noted to have no power or water and required specific clearances on the West and North sides of the property.
Beyond small-scale residential requests, the commission also manages complex commercial proposals and legislative changes. On June 3, 2026, a public hearing was convened to discuss a plan presented by Charlie Erickson. Erickson presented plans to build and operate an Automotive Fuel Service Station/Convenience Store on nine acres located at 2900 W Hwy 218. According to the meeting minutes, the convenience store portion of the project is expected to occupy about 5 acres. During the proceedings, it was noted that the plans had been submitted by Erickson's attorney and were reviewed by the Amalga Town Attorney, Seth Tait, who combined the information into a single comprehensive ordinance.
This specific project also required coordination with other municipal officials. The commission's minutes state that the Town Attorney recommended the Town Engineer, Eric Dursteler, review the ordinance. Following a review and subsequent revisions by the commission and the applicant, the commission voted to recommend the project to the Town Board. This recommendation involved amending the Town Land Management and Development Code to include a new subsection, 7.4.1 e, under The Light Industrial Zone (L1-Zone) to allow for an 'Automotive Fuel Service Station/Convenience Store'.
Through these actions, the Planning and Zoning Commission acts as a bridge between private development interests and the town's regulatory framework. The commission evaluates how new businesses or structures fit within existing ordinances and works to update those ordinances as the community's needs evolve. Whether approving a simple shed or debating the inclusion of new industrial uses in the land management code, the commission's decisions move forward to the Town Board for final consideration and approval.
What this means for Amalga
For residents of Amalga, the Planning and Zoning Commission is the primary venue for reviewing local development. Whether you are applying for a permit for a small shed or a large commercial enterprise, the commission's review process ensures that all projects align with the town's land management and development codes before reaching the Town Board.
