The Garfield County Planning Commission meeting on November 20, 2024, focused on a proposed development for transient lodging units in the area near Cannonville. The discussion centered around a parcel of land owned by Ariel, which is situated near the Garfield and Kane County border. The proposal includes the construction of seven lodging units designed as earthship dwellings, made from sustainable materials.

During the meeting, the commission reviewed a recent traffic study indicating that the anticipated daily trips from the proposed units would be minimal, with a peak of only 34 trips. This finding suggested that the existing access roads, including Kodachrome Road and Georgetown Road, would not require significant improvements to accommodate the development.

However, concerns were raised regarding the access to the property, particularly since the entry point is adjacent to a small cemetery owned by the Garfield County Cemetery District. The commission discussed the need for a recorded easement to ensure proper access to Ariel's parcel without interfering with cemetery operations.

The meeting also touched on the broader context of land ownership in the area, noting that some parcels are unincorporated and may require annexation into nearby towns for better governance. The commission acknowledged past approvals for similar commercial developments in the vicinity, including geodesic domes, but highlighted ongoing challenges related to road access and jurisdictional issues between Garfield and Kane Counties.

As the meeting concluded, the commission emphasized the importance of addressing access concerns and ensuring compliance with building codes for the proposed earthship units. The next steps will involve further discussions with local officials and stakeholders to clarify land ownership and access rights before any development can proceed.