Albany County OKs Barnhart zoning change to split 40.11-acre parcel into two 20-acre lots

Albany County commissioners voted to approve a zoning district amendment that will let Roy and Tammy Barnhart change the zoning of their 40.11-acre parcel from agricultural to agricultural-residential and split it into two roughly 20-acre lots.

The change, filed as ZDA-02-25, comes after the Barnharts provided documentation showing they followed county subdivision and application requirements and received approvals or signoffs from parties the applicants listed, including their homeowners association and utility providers. Planning staff recommended approval; the planning and zoning commission forwarded the proposal to the board unanimously.

The applicants, Roy and Tammy Barnhart, told the board they had obtained HOA approval and comments from the Laramie Rivers Conservation District, and that the power company, county treasurer and assessor had reviewed the proposal. Planning staff said the proposed ag-to-ag-residential rezoning is compatible with nearby uses and adopted the findings of the staff report into the record.

Commissioners adopted the staff analysis and findings and approved the zoning district amendment. The meeting record shows a motion and a second and the chair calling for a voice vote; the board recorded an affirmative vote and the motion carried.

The Barnharts and nearby Wild Horse Ranch residents were present and made brief remarks in support; James Jackson, vice president of the Wild Horse Ranch community, told the board the ranch association allows lots to be split down to 10 acres and said only a small number of owners historically have chosen that option. Planning staff noted any future subdivision actions would be subject to infrastructure and access reviews.

The approval authorizes the change of zoning only; any subsequent lot-splitting and building activity must meet county subdivision and permitting rules.