Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Rezoning Rio Vista topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
La Paz supervisors let rezoning for Rio Vista RV/boat storage die after residents warn of traffic, water and housing loss
Summary
After a public hearing with multiple residents raising safety, water and housing concerns, the La Paz County Board of Supervisors did not move to approve a rezone request for 40 acres at Rio Vista Road to allow RV and boat storage; the matter died for lack of motion.
La Paz County supervisors declined to act on a request to rezone a 40-acre parcel on Rio Vista Road in Parker from transitional residential to regional commercial for a proposed RV and boat storage facility, after a public hearing in which residents raised concerns about traffic, emergency access and local housing supply.
The public hearing on Docket Z2025-52 included comments from the applicant's agent, Gary Ritchie, and several area residents. Gary Ritchie described the proposal as a "high quality, secure storage facility" intended to meet a reported local shortage of storage units and to "keep visitors and their dollars in Parker, boosting restaurants, hotels, and shops." The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval 5-1.
But multiple residents told the Board they worried the change would worsen safety and traffic on narrow local roads and reduce opportunities for housing. One resident, identifying himself as a retired firefighter, said there is "only one way in and one way out" and warned that holiday weekend traffic around launch ramps and Harbor View already causes hazardous conditions. Jesse Dearman, a Lakeside 5 resident, said low water pressure is a continuing problem and argued the county needs more water capacity if new development is allowed. Brandon Kilgore, a local business owner who said he is a direct competitor, urged supervisors to reject the zoning change and to prioritize housing: "Our town of Parker is in dire need of housing, affordable, accessible housing for our residents and families," he said.
County staff confirmed public notice and sign posting for the docket and said no formal traffic study responses were on file from Public Works. An engineering representative for the applicant said a direct access from Highway 95 was not feasible because of a roughly 40-foot elevation change and argued that storage would generate substantially fewer daily trips than residential development.
After public comment and discussion, no supervisor made a motion to approve the rezoning. County staff advised that a lack of motion would cause the application to "die" and be equivalent to a denial; the board took no motion and the item was not approved.
The record shows the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on May 1, 2025. The county minutes note that a prior tentative subdivision for housing on the parcel had been continued previously over concerns including traffic and financial assurances and was not refiled.
With no action taken, the applicant may choose to reapply or pursue other options through the county's land-use process.
