THURSDAY, September 10, 2026|
Photo – Lawrence property in Rawlins – Courtesy City of Rawlins
Rawlins officials are continuing the process of rezoning the former Lawrence Salvage Yard as they prepare to sell the property.
During the September 1st Rawlins City Council meeting, the governing body considered a motion to change the zoning status of the Lawrence Property. The land, located in the center of Rawlins, was damaged in a July 2024 fire, the largest ever recorded within city limits. Later that year, the council voted to purchase the site for $230,000 using money from the dangerous building fund, a municipal account specifically designated to buy and remediate hazardous properties.
Since that time, the city has removed tons of debris, including antique vehicles, train cars, and scrap metal, to make the property more appealing to developers. The city also contacted the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to conduct a brownfields assessment and determine if the land was contaminated during its years as a salvage yard. Wyoming DEQ found that the site contained elevated levels of barium and arsenic. However, both toxic metals were well below DEQ’s thresholds, clearing the way for future development.
Last month, the governing body voted to rezone the Lawrence Property from Industrial to a mix of Commercial and Residential. The northern 4.88 acres of the land, along East Spruce Street, would be changed to Residential R‑7.5, permitting single‑family homes on 7,500‑square‑foot lots. The southern 9.15 acres, which sit at a higher elevation than the northern side, would be reclassified as Commercial C‑2, allowing light to medium commercial uses including retail.
At the September 1st Rawlins City Council meeting, the governing body revisited the earlier motion to rezone the Lawrence Property. Community Development Director Lou Lascano explained that the measure, like all changes to city ordinance, needed to be approved three times during three separate public meetings. If passed, Lascano said the vote would serve as the first reading
Aside from that change, Lascano said the ordinance matches what the Council approved last month.
Councilman Derek Elliott asked how soon the property could be listed for sale after the zone change. Community Development Director Lascano said that decision rests with the council.
Next, Councilman Steve Sanger asked if the city was moving too quickly to rezone the Lawrence Property. He said a developer may purchase the land and wish to use it for something not allowed under the proposed zoning designation.
Community Development Director Lascano said the property was being rezoned to match the surrounding parcels along Spruce and Cedar streets. If a developer wanted a different use, Lascano said they would need approval from the city’s Planning and Zoning Division.
Following the discussion, the Rawlins City Council unanimously voted to rezone the former Lawrence Salvage Yard for Commercial and Residential uses. The matter must be voted on two more times before being finalized.
