County approves floodplain permit for Vicky Dukes' shop and living quarters near South Fork Shoshone River

Park County commissioners approved a floodplain development permit for a proposed shop building with living quarters on property adjacent to the South Fork of the Shoshone River, finding the proposed finished elevation is above nearby base flood elevations but noting wildlife-agency recommendations to avoid construction disturbance during mule deer winter range months.

Planning staff said the applicant, Vicky Dukes, proposed a shop with incidental living space and a small wastewater system in a FEMA Zone A area. Staff reported elevations for the proposed structure (5,591.1 feet) and noted recent Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) determinations for adjacent parcels with base flood elevations of 5,576 and 5,582 feet; staff concluded the proposed finished elevation was above those adjacent base flood elevations and that the structure would be reasonably safe from flooding. Staff recommended standard permit conditions including a one-year expiration unless work is substantially begun, required building and small-wastewater permits prior to construction, county site visits, and notification and photographic documentation upon completion.

Park County staff said they received agency responses: Park County Fire District 2 would respond to emergencies; the county treasurer confirmed taxes are paid; Weed & Pest noted noxious weeds but did not require a long-term plan; the county engineer said the property was above the 1 percent chance-of-exceedance elevation and the potential for flooding was minimal. The U.S. Army Corps said it had no concerns but reminded the applicant that any dredge/fill discharges would require Corps permits. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department responded that the site lies within crucial mule deer winter range and recommended avoiding human activity from Nov. 15 through April 30; staff said that recommendation was provided to the applicant and noted it was advisory rather than a permit condition.

The applicant said she lives at the site year-round and acknowledged there would be some human presence associated with the living quarters. Commissioners discussed the option of a LOMA (which can remove property from the floodplain) and staff said the LOMA process may be more expensive than periodic permits but could reduce future permitting needs.

The board closed the public hearing and voted to approve Floodplain Development Permit No. 5-25 with the staff-recommended conditions and standard compliance provisions.