Planning commission recommends commercial rezoning for 2‑acre Casper parcel

At its meeting, the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of zoning case ZC25‑02, forwarding a request by developer Ben Hansel to change a 2‑acre parcel off Casper Mountain Road from urban residential to commercial to the county commissioners for an Aug. 5, 2025 public hearing. The parcel lies inside the City of Casper growth management area and borders commercial and high‑density residential zoning in the city.

Sabrina Kemper, county planning staff, said the site is currently two acres with no on‑site utilities and noted the surrounding city zoning. “Normally, something like this would be recommended for denial because of the spot zoning, but due to the City of Casper surrounding having the commercial to the north and then the high density residential, we would recommend this to be approved,” Kemper said.

Applicant Ben Hansel described the parcel’s recent use and development history and said he subdivided the larger tract to create the 2‑acre lot for future commercial use. “I bought this piece of property … because I needed dirt off of it to develop that piece of property and make it a nice residential neighborhood,” Hansel said, adding that breaking off a 2‑acre commercial lot was a step toward later development and possible annexation by Casper.

Real estate agent Nat Steinhoff spoke in favor of the rezoning and urged the commission and county to consider a consistent approach for small county inholdings inside municipal growth areas. “I am in support of you making this change, because I believe from an intuitive perspective, it makes the most sense that despite the fact that the neighboring parcels are not in the county, conforming to the zoning use that is most proximal to them in those municipalities makes sense,” Steinhoff said.

Commission discussion touched on annexation and notice to adjacent property owners. Kemper said the commission’s decision is advisory and that the Board of County Commissioners will hold a subsequent public hearing; she said the City of Casper’s planner had no formal objections. Commissioner Kevin moved to adopt staff findings and recommendation to approve the rezoning; Commissioner White seconded. The commission voted in favor by voice vote and the case was recommended to the county commissioners for their Aug. 5, 2025 hearing.

The county commissioners will consider the staff findings and the commission’s recommendation at the Aug. 5 public hearing; any formal change in zoning requires the county commissioners’ action or, if annexed, the city’s separate process.