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Planning commission continues hearing on proposed ‘glamping’ campground after neighbors raise fire, trespass and water concerns
Summary
The Duchesne County Planning Commission recessed consideration of a conditional-use permit for a four‑unit commercial campground proposed by Timothy Johnson after widespread neighbor concerns about wildfire risk, road access, fencing and water. The item is continued to Oct. 1 for further neighbor coordination and conditions.
The Duchesne County Planning Commission recessed a public hearing and tabled action until Oct. 1 on a conditional-use permit application from Timothy Johnson to operate a four‑unit commercial “glamp” campground on roughly 9.38 acres south of Fruitland.
Planning staff recommended approval subject to ten conditions intended to address dust, noise, wastewater, water supply and wildfire safety, including: obtaining a Duchesne County business license; maintaining parking and driveways as “dustless” surfaces; compliance with the county noise and nuisance ordinances; Tri-County Health approval of drinking water and wastewater facilities; and compliance with Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards as determined by the Duchesne County Fire Marshal.
Staff reported that Tri-County Health had determined an existing well on the site could support up to 20 people, and that the applicant submitted engineering for a septic system and permanent restroom facilities. The proposed site plan showed four 800-square-foot geodesic domes on raised platforms, two restroom facilities, a picnic pavilion, and a 20-by-80-foot parking area intended to accommodate up to eight vehicles.
Multiple neighbors and nearby property owners spoke against the permit at the hearing. Concerns focused on wildfire risk and emergency access, trespass and fencing, water availability and well interference, road maintenance and dust, trash and policing, and the absence of a 24‑hour on‑site manager. Speakers included Andrew Olsen, who urged stronger landscaping/fencing conditions and noted a fallen fence along a shared line; residents Sue Miller (represented by family), Naomi Espinosa and Brent Miller, who all cited fire risk, insurance concerns and possible trespass; and Justin Wille, who questioned what materials would meet the county’s “dustless” standard.
The applicant, Timothy Johnson, said the operation would be a limited commercial glamping site with four rental domes, curated landscaping and on‑site supervisors for turnover and maintenance. He said he intends to apply for grants to improve the access road and that he was not planning to permit open campfires without fire marshal approval. Johnson offered to meet with neighbors and provided contact information at the hearing.
After extended public comment, the commission proposed additional conditions suggested by neighbors and staff: no fire rings or campfires unless approved in writing by the Duchesne County Fire Marshal; the applicant must obtain any waiver or alternative determined by the fire marshal for hydrant or other fire-suppression requirements; removal of junk and repair or erection of fencing as needed to limit trespass; and conspicuous “no trespassing” signage between campsites and neighboring properties.
Commission members then moved to recess and continue the item to Oct. 1 to allow the applicant and neighbors to meet and negotiate specific mitigation measures; the motion carried. The Planning Commission will revisit the application on Oct. 1 with proposed additional conditions and any fire-marshal requirements.
