Park County approves special-event permit for North Fork fundraiser, adds highway warning signs

Park County commissioners on April 18 approved a one‑time special use permit allowing Wyo Hoofbeats to host a fundraiser concert at the Yellowstone Valley Inn (YVI) property west of Cody, with staff conditions and an added requirement that event warning signs be posted a quarter mile from each entrance on both approaches to reduce traffic hazards.

Planning staff presented the application for SUP 272, saying the property at 3324 North Fork Highway is in the GR‑5 zoning district and that a special event is allowed with an approved SUP. The applicant provided a site plan showing parking in existing RV spaces, locations for about five food trucks, eight chemical toilets to supplement on‑site facilities, temporary lighting that must comply with county rules, and use of YVI’s existing public water and liquor license. The staff report summarized agency responses: YDOT said a special‑event permit was not required but warned against traffic backing onto the highway; Park County Public Works flagged no concern; Park County Weed & Pest and the state fire inspector provided technical notes; DEQ listed potential permitting requirements for construction or environmental work.

At the public hearing resident Lorna Klein asked whether overflow parking would use nearby trailheads and said past unannounced events — including off‑date fireworks — had caused animal and traffic disturbance. Erica from planning and zoning answered that the applicant estimated 100–300 attendees, that parking will be contained on the property with an estimate of about 50 car spaces and overflow within the park’s internal sites, and that no Forebay Trailhead parking is planned. Commissioners asked staff and the applicant to coordinate signage and traffic control; Commissioner Stewart moved to add a condition requiring event warning signs a quarter mile ahead of each entrance on both east and west approaches, and to consult with YDOT on sign placement and wording.

The board approved the SUP with staff conditions plus the new signage requirement. The motion included standard conditions that the event must not damage in‑ground wastewater facilities or block the existing access easement, must provide adequate parking and interior traffic flow to avoid highway backups, and must comply with county noise, lighting and nuisance regulations. The permit is for a single date: May 16, 2025.

Why it matters: The added signage condition responds to documented crash history and residents’ safety concerns at the highway approaches near North Fork; commissioners tied the permit approval to specific mitigations rather than denying the event.

What’s next: The applicant must meet the conditions before the event, coordinate with YDOT as recommended, and comply with any remaining state or county inspections called for by the fire or electrical inspectors.