Keith County commissioners table vacation rental permit amid community opposition

The Keith County Board of Commissioners convened on January 15, 2025, to address significant community concerns regarding a proposed vacation rental in Hidden Canyon Estates. The meeting highlighted the ongoing tension between property rights and community standards, particularly in rural residential areas.

The primary agenda item was a conditional use permit request from Alexander and Mindy Knuth for a vacation rental at 317 Hidden Canyon Estates. The property, located near Lake McConaughy, is currently zoned for rural residential use and does not have an existing dwelling. The Planning Commission had previously recommended denial of the permit due to strong opposition from local residents, with over 50% of property owners within a 300-foot radius signing a petition against the proposal.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the Knuths had not received timely notification about the rescheduled hearing due to a clerical error, prompting discussions about fairness and procedural integrity. Several commissioners expressed their desire to allow the Knuths an opportunity to present their case in person, emphasizing the importance of due process. Ultimately, the board voted to table the decision until January 29, 2025, allowing the Knuths to attend and address community concerns directly.

Residents voiced strong opposition to the vacation rental, citing concerns about increased traffic, potential disruptions to the community's character, and adherence to existing covenants that prohibit commercial activities. Many residents emphasized that the area is primarily a family-oriented community, and the introduction of short-term rentals could alter its dynamics.

In addition to the vacation rental discussion, the board also addressed administrative survey plots for agricultural districts. The Zoning Administrator proposed a waiver to streamline the process for creating small parcels of land, which had previously been complicated by existing regulations. However, concerns were raised about the potential for misuse of this waiver, leading to further discussions on the need for clarity in zoning definitions.

The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing individual property rights with community standards in Keith County. As the board prepares for the next meeting, the outcome of the vacation rental permit remains uncertain, with significant implications for both the Knuth family and the Hidden Canyon Estates community.