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County signals support for de-annexation petition near Wolf Creek; 33-acre parcel eyed for private venue
Summary
A property owner at the base of Wolf Creek described plans to de-annex a 33-acre parcel from Casper and convert a subdivision into a single lot for a potential wedding venue; commissioners agreed to proceed with the state statutory process and asked county staff to prepare a 60-day impact report once a petition is filed.
A landowner seeking municipal de-annexation told commissioners he would like to de-annex a roughly 33-acre parcel at the base of Wolf Creek and consolidate a six-lot subdivision into a single parcel for a low-intensity private use, such as a barn and wedding venue.
The presenter said the city purchased the property in 1981 and that a later sale and partial purchase history left the parcel as an odd “hanging nail” off Wolf Creek. He described the existing paved Moose Road and utilities ending near the parcel and told commissioners he does not want city funds spent on improving a road that “goes to nowhere.” He said the parcel’s surroundings—adjacent Wolf Creek Ranch trust land and state land—make large-scale subdivision unlikely and that he would not pursue development that would require heavy city investment.
County Attorney staff explained the municipal de-annexation statute process: a landowner must file a petition with the city clerk and provide a copy to the county; within 60 days of receiving the petition the county commissioners prepare an impact report. Commissioners asked whether the city has approved the de-annexation; staff said the city supports the request and the county’s next step is to wait for the formal petition and then transmit it to county planning for the required report and any required newspaper publication under state statute.
Commissioners also discussed utility service. The presenter said 1,400 linear feet of city water and sewer extend to the end of Moose Road and that the city has proposed capping services at the road’s end in any MOU with the landowner; the owner said outside-city water/sewer agreements were possible but the city had not favored that option in prior discussions. The county attorney said the de-annexation matter need only be reported to the commissioners and does not require planning-and-zoning review, although the county will prepare the statutorily required report.
Commissioners indicated informal support for the de-annexation path and advised the landowner to file the petition and coordinate with county counsel. No formal vote to approve the de-annexation was taken at the meeting.
