Roosevelt City Council approves annexation and P-O/R zoning for 9.4-acre Lone Tree property after public hearing

Roosevelt City Council on a unanimous vote approved the voluntary annexation of 9.4 acres along 3000 West and 450 West — named the Lone Tree Annexation — and assigned a Professional Office & Residential (P-O/R) zoning designation after a public hearing that drew multiple nearby residents.

Planning staff described the petition from property owner Nate Snow and said culinary water is available on the west side of 3000 West, while sewer infrastructure is not currently within a reasonable distance. Staff said that under present conditions the property would require septic systems permitted by Tri County Health Department and that future development could change utility availability. "Currently, sewer infrastructure is not located within a reasonable distance to be a benefit," a planning presenter said.

The proposed P-O/R zoning would allow a mix of professional-office uses and residential uses, and short-term rentals are a permitted use in P-O/R and some commercial districts, staff said. Planning and zoning recommended annexation and rezoning; the planning commission had previously approved the petition.

Neighbors at the public hearing raised concerns about density, septic systems and potential groundwater contamination. Tracey Burr, a nearby resident, told the council: "I don't see no benefit from it. The one that's putting it in is gonna put a whole bunch of little houses." Other residents asked how road, curb-and-gutter and well impacts would be handled; planning staff replied that development plans and associated infrastructure would require separate review and permits and that Tri County Health would review septic-system designs.

Property owner Nate Snow said he has cleaned up the site and currently rents the existing home; he said his intent was to build two or three similar-sized houses along the road and that his plan would comply with Roosevelt City's regulations. "My goal would be to have 2 to 3 more along that road as I could, similar size. I'm not trying to build anything big," Snow said.

At the close of the public hearing the council voted to approve the voluntary annexation and the zoning request for the Lone Tree Annexation. Council members said annexation does not force development and that any subdivision plan creating more than three lots would return to the city for additional public hearings and planning review. Councilman Baird moved to approve; the motion was seconded and passed with all members present voting aye.

Planning staff and the applicant were asked to ensure future public notices and development proposals address neighbors' concerns about septic density, wells and road improvements.