Planning commission recommends approval of Willis rezoning from agricultural to rural residential

At its May 14, 2025 meeting, the Albany County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve the Willis Zoning District Amendment (CDA-03-25), changing the property at 83 Littleworth Lane from agricultural to rural residential.

Planning staff reviewed written comments from county reviewers and concluded the application met the required findings under the county zoning resolution; staff recommended approval. The commission adopted staff's findings and voted to forward a recommendation of approval to the Board of County Commissioners.

Staff noted the applicant submitted a complete application and that potential impacts associated with a future subdivision (if one is filed) would be addressed in a later phase. County engineering and transportation reviewers flagged potential road-improvement needs if a subdivision comes forward; Laramie Rivers Conservation District commented on erosion, soil degradation and irrigation considerations. Planning staff reiterated that any future subdivision would trigger the major-subdivision process and that required studies, including septic-suitability review to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, would be part of that review.

Nathan Willis, the applicant, told the commission the property is not currently irrigated but said he has a well permitted for a larger authorized withdrawal than the well's current pump can deliver. Willis said the well was "approved for 60 gallons in the, amount," but that the installed pump presently supplies a smaller flow (his words). Planning staff clarified that irrigation upgrades would be part of future decisions and that fencing and wildlife measures, if required, would be addressed at subdivision.

Several nearby residents spoke at the public hearing. Dennis Sullivan and others representing neighborhood road-maintenance interests asked that any future subdivision address road upkeep and grading as part of the subdivision design; planning staff said the subdivision review requires a plan to ensure road maintenance and identified options for implementing maintenance agreements. Tom Burkett and other neighbors raised questions about lot sizes and long-term land-use change; the commission and staff noted that zoning change does not immediately create parcels but allows a different zoning regime under which a subsequent subdivision could be proposed and reviewed.

Commissioners moved to recommend approval, the motion was seconded, and the vote was recorded as unanimous. The Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.