Eureka Code Amended for Equestrian Facilities

Areas in Eureka classified with M-1 Zoning — which reflect "light industrial districts" — now can be considered for equestrian-focused uses. Eureka resident Cindy Ruprecht asked the Eureka board of aldermen for this equine-based amendment to M-1 Zoning, and it was approved at Tuesday's board meeting with a 5-1 vote. Alderman Wes Sir, Ward 1, opposed the amendment.

City Administrator Craig Sabo said while the zoning parameters were amended, any such equine businesses would still go through the special use permit consideration process. Aldermen also indicated additional approvals may be required by St. Louis County Government.

Ruprecht now represents Circle R Horse Lodge at 199 Allen Rd. in Eureka, a 12.3-acre horse facility that she and her brother received from their father, Ed Ruprecht, who built a horse facility and community swimming pool there in 1966.

She said her business plan is to offer an horse-friendly facility at which equestrians could rest while traveling through on Interstate 44 for long distances to and from horse shows. "Horses need a place to stop and get out of trailers for a break," she said. "And given the convenience of other horse-related businesses nearby, such as , , and the , my facility should help generate local revenue."

Ruprecht said she also hoped that her facility would prompt more travelers to stop in Eureka to frequent local restaurants and services.

Eureka Mayor Kevin Coffey asked about sanitary services at the property; Ruprecht said there were restrooms and showers, "but everything needs work." Ruprecht said she had not envisioned people camping there, however, when alderman Bob Berry asked about overnight lodging.

She said she does have some electrical hookups, but "had not planned to try to turn the facility into a ."

Ruprecht said they knew of situations where people with horse trailers have broken down on I-44, or when trailers have caught on fire and travelers and horses needed a place to stay during the time when repairs are occurring. She said she eventually would like to participate in a national Equine Pass system, which operates much like AAA club association.

She said there also have been times when animal boarding places were needed after large animals have been rescued, such as a horse freezing on the parking lot and a ram running lose on the parking lot.

Ruprecht told aldermen she would like to advertise her equine facility via a new website.

Some discussion was held about the condition of the 4/10 mile of gravel road to the facility, which is maintained by Eureka Public Works. Ruprecht said the Eureka city staff had been "very responsive" to the road's needs.

Land classified as M-1 Zoning in Eureka was approved for the following purposes:

• Manufacturing or fabrication of any commodity from semi-finished materials, except explosives or flammable gases or liquids
• Processing or packing of food products, except fish and meat products, sauerkraut, vinegar, yeast and the rendering of fats and oils.
• Laundries and dry cleaning plants.
• Warehousing or wholesaling of manufactured goods; except, that explosives or flammable gases or liquids shall require a special use permit.
• Distribution plants.
• Research and testing laboratories and facilities.
• Public utility facilities.
• Police and fire stations.
• Truck, bus, rail and watercraft terminals.
• Railroad switching yards.
• Auto or truck repair.
• Machine, welding, sheet metal, plumbing and electrical shops.
• Lumber and construction material storage yards.
• Public or private offices or office buildings.
• Printing and engraving facilities.
• Plant nurseries and greenhouses.

Current zoning also allows for a number of other special uses for M-1 designated lands.