An "extractive industry use" involves the extraction of minerals, including solids, such as coal and ores; liquids, such as crude petroleum; and gasses, such as natural gasses. In addition to the required Performance and Development Standards outlined in Section 1343.05 and 1343.06, extractive industry uses shall conform to the following performance standards:
(a) External Setbacks. When reviewing an application to operate an extractive industry, consideration shall be given to the proposed site's external boundary proximity to residential zoning districts as it relates to impact from noise, traffic, particulate matter, blasting, runoff and other secondary effects. The Commission shall give particular emphasis to the evaluation of the characteristics of the proposed use in relationship to its immediate neighborhood and the compatibility of the proposed use with its neighborhood. Therefore, minimum distance from the external boundary of the proposed site to any residentially zoned property shall be 750 feet measured in a straight line without regard to intervening structures or objects. The Commission may waive or reduce this distance if it finds the nature of the request or other specific distinctions would eliminate the impact on the residentially zoned property that is within 750 feet of the proposed site and if the proposed use is consistent with the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, the effect on traffic, storm drainage, and land values
(b) Site Restoration. Within six months following the abandonment of an extractive industry development site, including permanent well plugging, the operator shall be responsible for the restoration of the development site to its original condition as nearly as practicable. Abandonment shall be approved by the City Engineer after restoration of the development site has been accomplished in conformity with the following requirements at the discretion of the City Engineer:
(1) All production, derricks, tanks, towers, and other appurtenant surface equipment and installations shall be removed from the development site.
(2) All concrete foundations, piping, wood, guy anchors and other foreign materials regardless of depth, except surface casing, shall be removed from the development site, unless otherwise directed by the City.
(3) All holes and depressions shall be filled with clean, compactable soil.
(4) All waste, refuse or waste material shall be removed from the development site.
(c) Supplementary Regulations.
(1) There shall be one principal entrance to the industrial site from any major thoroughfare bordering the tract, which shall be designed so that traffic at its intersection with the major thoroughfare may be controlled and so that there will be adequate storage space for traffic destined to enter the thoroughfare or to leave the industrial site.
(2) There shall be no direct entrances or exits from parking areas or structures onto the adjoining major thoroughfare, but a service drive parallel to the main traffic-way may be provided for such access. Traffic on the service drive shall enter the main traffic-way via the principal entry.
(3) The owner or owners shall provide a plan for the installation of adequate facilities for the disposal of human and industrial wastes meeting the approval of the State Department of Health.
(4) The owner or owners of the site shall establish in the restrictions, which are a part of site plan, a perpetuating organization for the maintenance of the industrial site, such as roads and planting areas, the approval of building plans and other improvements, and the future maintenance of the site.
(d) Perimeter Landscaping and Fencing. For the purpose of screening, buffering, and security, the following improvements shall be installed within thirty days after commencement of development.
(1) Landscaping. Where a heavy industry, heavy manufacturing, or extractive industry development site abuts a nonindustrial property (zoned or used) or public or private street, a thirty-foot landscaping transitional yard shall be installed the length of said common border as follows:
A. A ten-foot-wide exterior landscaping transition area containing three to four medium to large trees and fifteen to twenty evergreen shrubs per 100 linear feet.
B. A twenty-foot-wide interior landscaping transition area containing parallel, staggered and/or concentric rows of evergreen trees or evergreen hedge planted eight to twelve feet on center per 100 linear feet.
C. Trees shall have a minimum two-inch caliper and shrubs shall be at least three gallons in size.
(2) Fencing. A minimum ten-foot black, green or brown vinyl-coated chain link fence must be erected the entire perimeter of a heavy industry, heavy manufacturing, or extractive industry development site between the landscaping transitional yards and the development site. Prominently displayed no trespassing signs are required on all four or more sides of the perimeter fencing.
(3) Entrance gate specifications. All perimeter fences shall be equipped with at least one entrance gate. The gate shall meet the following specifications:
A. Each gate shall be not less than twelve feet wide and be composed of two gates, each of which is not less than six feet wide, or one sliding gate not less than twelve feet wide. If two gates are used, gates shall latch and lock in the center of the span;
B. The gates shall be provided with a combination catch and locking attachment device for a padlock, and shall be kept locked except when being used for access to the site; and
C. The person in charge of the development site must provide the Wheeling Fire Department with a Knox Padlock or Knox Box entry system or equivalent on the gate to access the site in case of an emergency.
(Ord. 15529. Passed 4-6-21.)