Jefferson County denies proposed McCall-area subdivision after residents raise traffic, density concerns

The Jefferson County Commission at its meeting declined to approve rezoning case Z240052, a proposal to create a 61‑lot residential subdivision off Lou George Loop Road in the McCall area. Staff had recommended approval after the developer reduced the project from an earlier, larger proposal.

Staff told commissioners the applicant, Connor Farmer, reduced density from “over 100” lots to 61 lots, with three estate lots of at least one acre and 75‑foot road frontages on the R‑1 parcels, and that the developer planned to use county sewer and add an emergency secondary access. Staff recommended approval.

But multiple nearby residents told the commission the narrow, two‑lane Lou George Loop Road and limited alternate access make the area unsuitable for additional subdivision development. Chanel Fletcher, who said she lives “in the back” of the affected area and represented nearby property owners, asked commissioners to preserve the area’s large‑lot, estate character and said earlier promises by developers to build larger estate homes had given way to smaller, lower‑cost “garden” homes in past projects.

Resident Mary Shaw said traffic approaching McCall Elementary is “very, very dangerous” and asked whether the county would add traffic signals or stop signs. Ronnie Tillman identified himself as a neighbor and asked commissioners to explain why they would approve or deny the request.

Applicant Connor Farmer told the commission he had reduced density, increased lot sizes, added a 25‑foot buffer behind lots 1–13 in coordination with an adjacent landowner, preserved an on‑site cemetery, and planned to preserve a downstream creek without piping or filling it. Farmer said renderings show houses with side‑ and rear‑loaded garages and that most homes would be 2,000 square feet or larger.

After public comment, the chair asked whether any commissioner would make a motion to approve. No motion to approve was made; the chair said the request was denied for lack of a motion, and the case was not approved.

The commission did not adopt any conditions or direction to staff on this case during the meeting; the public record will include the residents’ testimony about acreage and safety concerns and the applicant’s revised plans and added buffers.

The decision preserves the current zoning status for the parcels in case Z240052; any party wishing to pursue changes would need to refile or return to the commission for a new hearing.