The information contained on this page came from a Land Use Study conducted in 2014. For the most up to date information about each area included in the study, visit the Projects tab of this website or contact the City Planning & Zoning Department.
What is a Land Use Plan and why do we need one?
In January of 2014, the City and Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) hired a team of planners, architects and engineers from KLJ, an engineering company located in Rapid City, to provide a comprehensive Land Use Plan for several areas of undeveloped city-owned parcels as well as an area of land surrounding the Sturgis Brown High School.
With limited space available for development and growth, the City has set a goal of developing several of these properties in the coming years. In accordance with guidelines set forth in the City's Comprehensive Plan, several needs had already been identified. The need for single and multiple family housing, the need for recreational areas with adequate parking, the need for a multi-use facility and more space for commercial expansion were all identified. By identifying the highest and best use for each property, a Comprehensive Land Use Plan will assist the City with planning for these needs and will provide an orderly and effective road map for future development.
Properties included in the Plan:
- Current Fairgrounds Property - 23.59 acres on Ball Park Road.
- Marcotte Property - 60.81 acres located west of Elk Road. See the Marcotte Development page for the most recent updates.
- City-owned utility lot - 5.45 acres south of Pine View Drive. See Canyon View Subdivision page for the most recent updates on this property.
- High School property located both east and west of the current Sturgis Brown High School along Hwy 34. Update: The Sturgis Rodeo Club relocated their facilities from the fairgrounds to the High School in 2020.
Initial Findings
JD Nash, a land planner with KLJ Engineering was assigned to the project in February 2014. His first step was to gather data on each property; this included identifying areas affected by the floodplain, areas where historic items and/or artifacts may be present, connectivity via roadways and trails, current utility infrastructure, soils, and drainage patterns.
In addition, Mr. Nash met with City staff, Council members and various committee groups to discuss specific needs of the community such as recreation areas, affordable workforce housing to meet the demand of new and existing businesses and areas suitable for future commercial development.
Within the past year, more than 100 new jobs were created in Sturgis and employees report not being able to find adequate housing to fit their needs. A recent Housing Study found that Sturgis has less than .7% vacancy rate for rental units. A healthy vacancy rate is 8% in most communities. Most rental agencies in Sturgis have no available units and have a waiting list.
Public Presentations and Question/Answer Sessions:
Sturgis City Council - Formal Presentation of the Land Use Plan findings. Monday, May 5, 2014 at 6:30 at the Erskine Building. Land Use Study Presentation to Council
Public Open House to discuss various sites - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 from 3:30 until 7:00 pm at the Sturgis Community Center.
Questions about the 2014 land use study or current plans for development can be directed to the Sturgis Planning & Zoning Department at (605) 347-4422.
Future Development Options
Current Sturgis Fairgrounds Property
The mission of KLJ is to offer several options for future use in the areas included in the study. It is important to remember that these presentations are only suggestions and have yet to be considered by the City Council. There will be several opportunities in the future for the public to provide input.
Careful consideration must be given to the need for housing, future commercial expansion, maintaining a healthy balance of open space and recreational areas and budget restrictions.
These are some of the early ideas for development on parcels included in the study.