Sheridan City Planning Commission Meeting - September 28, 2026

The Sheridan City Planning Commission met on September 28, 2026, to consider the final plat of Blacktooth Business Park (PL 26-34). The meeting began with roll call (Commissioner Franklin absent, others present), approval of the agenda, and approval of the September 14 minutes. The sole business item was the final plat, which was recommended for approval after discussion and public comment.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved unanimously.
• Minutes from September 14, 2026, approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Final Plat of Blacktooth Business Park (PL 26-34, Resolution 20-26): City Planner Schroeder presented the proposal to subdivide 53.19 acres of B2-zoned land at 3150 Heartland Drive into 15 lots (0.84 to 12.5 acres). The plat includes a 10-foot pathway, a 39-foot roadway for Heartland Drive, a 20-foot gravel improvement on Dry Ranch Road (variance from full city standard), and utility extensions (16-inch water main, sewer) designed to support future development. Secondary access is provided via a physical connection to the Middle Eastern Corridor identified in the Transportation Master Plan, rather than a second roadway, due to jurisdictional complexities. Fire safety concerns were noted for lots 13-15 (inadequate commercial fire flows without additional suppression), addressed by a plat note requiring fire suppression at development. No public comments were received prior to the meeting. Staff recommended approval contingent on the dedication of Heartland Drive right-of-way through the Whitney Benefits property.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jessica White (formerly Rome): Expressed concerns about traffic congestion, parking issues (U-Haul, MDU semi-trucks blocking Dry Ranch Road), and safety during construction. She requested that current parking problems be addressed before new development adds traffic.
• Aaron Whiting: Raised visibility issues at the Dry Ranch Road and Brundage Lane intersection (blind corner, 40 mph speed limit, overgrown shrubs) and noted existing safety problems from businesses using the dirt road. He supported the project overall but urged mitigation of existing hazards.
• The applicant’s engineer assured that access for neighbors would be maintained during construction.

Key Outcomes

• Motion: Commissioner moved to recommend approval of PL 26-34 final plat to the governing body, including the variance for the 20-foot gravel improvement on Dry Ranch Road adjacent to lots 6, 9, 10, and 11. Seconded. Motion passed unanimously (all ayes, no nays).
• Contingency: Approval is contingent upon recording of the Heartland Drive right-of-way dedication through Whitney Benefits.
• Next Steps: The item will go to the city council meeting next Monday (week of September 28). Staff also noted a vacancy on the Planning Commission due to Commissioner Morneau’s resignation, to be advertised soon.
• Procedural Note: The chair initially forgot to call for public comment before the vote; public comments were heard after the vote, and the applicant and staff responded to concerns.