The "M" mining district herein established is intended to recognize that the sand, gravel and other mineral deposits within the land area subject to the city's zoning authority are unrenewable natural resources necessary and beneficial to the economy of the city. To provide for the utilization of this resource in a manner compatible with nearby areas, and to insure restoration of the excavated areas for another land use at the conclusion of excavation and treatment, this mining district is hereby established.

(a)

Permitted uses.

(1)

Mining, quarrying, and the commercial extraction of rock, sand, gravel, limestone, earth, clay and similar materials.

(2)

Storage, stockpiling, distribution and sale of excavated materials.

(3)

The installation and operation of plants or apparatus for crushing, processing, drying, screening, blending, washing, or other methods of beneficiating and loading, and for conveyor facilities.

(4)

Shops and garages for the repair or maintenance of equipment and warehouses for the storage of equipment or supplies as are necessary for the conduct of the above permitted uses.

(5)

Offices for the conduct of the above permitted uses.

(6)

Public and private parks and recreation areas and accessory buildings and improvements when they are compatible with all other authorized uses on the site and the reclamation of the site.

(7)

Agricultural and other types of open spaces.

(8)

All of the above enumerated uses remain subject to all other applicable codes and ordinances of the City of Ottawa.

(b)

Setbacks and green space.

(1)

A buffer zone of 200 feet from the property line to the start of excavation.

(2)

Within the buffer zone a berm shall be constructed six feet above grade with a fence on the backside of the landscaped berm to shield the site from the adjacent properties and/or street.

(c)

Mandatory operating requirements. The following requirements shall be mandatory:

(1)

Where an excavation in excess of five feet will result from such operations, the owner or operator shall erect a fence around such excavation. Such fence will be of wire mesh, or other suitable material, and be not less than six feet in height. Suitable gates shall be installed in the fence to control access to the excavation. In areas where the "M" district is bounded by natural bodies of water or other natural barriers a fence shall be required only on those sides of the excavation which are accessible to public rights-of-way.

(2)

Where mining operations result in a body of water being created, the owner or operator shall place appropriate "KEEP OUT—DANGER" signs around said premises not more than 200 feet apart. The size and location of the sign shall be approved by the zoning enforcement officer.

(3)

Any roads used for the purpose of ingress and egress to said excavation site which are located within 300 feet of occupied residences shall be kept dust free by hard-topping, chemical treatment, or other approved method.

(4)

No cut or excavation shall be made closer than 200 feet from the nearest street or highway right-of-way nor nearer than 200 feet to the nearest property line; provided however, that the city council shall prescribe more strict requirements in order to give sub lateral support to surrounding property where soil or geographic conditions warrant it.

(5)

Where property is classified as district "M" mining and where mining operations have not begun or are not obvious, the owner of such property shall erect signs indicating the zoning classification. Said signs hall be clearly visible from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. The size and location of the signs shall be approved by the zoning enforcement officer.

(6)

Building setback requirements are the same as those in the "E" industrial district except that building housing equipment for crushing, grinding, sorting or other mechanical processes that may produce noise or dust shall be located 250 feet from the property line. Said buildings shall be screened from public roadways by trees, shrubs or other appropriate landscaping.

(7)

All uses involving the storage, use or manufacture of flammable or explosive substances shall comply with the regulations of the State of Illinois Department of Public Safety and with the requirements of the State of Illinois Fire Marshall.

(Ord. of 9-17-2013, § 9)