Cheyenne Council Blocks Gravel Parking Lot Proposal

The Cheyenne City Council voted 6-4 on Monday night to reject an ordinance that would have allowed gravel parking lots. The decision pauses the city's plan to permit unpaved surfaces for agricultural and seasonal businesses. The proposal aimed to update the Unified Development Code, specifically Section 6.2.8, to create exceptions to the current universal paving rule.

City staff drafted the code amendments following the forced annexation of the city's remaining county pockets. The primary goal was to support operations such as the WY Fresh farm and other agritourism venues. These businesses often operate seasonally, including pumpkin patches, and require parking space for customers. Under the proposed changes, these entities would have been able to maintain gravel or compacted aggregate instead of pouring concrete or asphalt.

The proposal extended beyond farm operations. City staff indicated that single-family homeowners and owners of event or overflow parking lots could also apply for the exception. The change would have provided a cost-saving alternative to traditional paving materials. However, council members expressed concerns about the long-term impact on local infrastructure and public access.

Councilor Michelle Aldrich highlighted the financial and logistical challenges of unpaved surfaces. She noted that the city has invested significant resources to keep dirt and silt out of the drainage system and Crow Creek. Aldrich also pointed out the needs of residents with accessibility issues. She stated that while the current rule for paved handicapped spaces is appreciated, it can mislead business owners into thinking they are exempt from other paving requirements.

The council voted to kill the ordinance, with members Tom Segrave, Kathy Emmons, Ken Esquibel, Mark Rinne, and Pete Laybourn voting no. The rejection ensures that Cheyenne’s mandate for paved commercial and urban parking areas remains in place. The city will continue to require asphalt or concrete for standard parking lots and driveways.

The vote concludes this round of code amendments intended to accommodate new land uses in annexed areas. With the universal paving rule intact, businesses in Cheyenne must adhere to the existing standards for surface materials. The city will revisit the issue only if new proposals are introduced in future sessions.