Commission approves Sky Haven rezoning after contested hearing; adopts two land‑use ordinance changes

KANAB, Utah — At its Aug. 26 public meeting, the Kane County Commission approved a rezoning request to change two parcels in the Sky Haven area from agricultural to Rural‑10 (RU‑10) after a contested public hearing that focused on wildfire risk, narrow access roads and long‑term land‑use implications.

The commission also unanimously adopted two other land‑use ordinances: one vacating two 7½‑foot public utility easements in the Ponderosa Villas Subdivision (Ordinance 2025‑23) and another updating subdivision regulation language about dedications of non‑subdivision rights‑of‑way and roadways (Ordinance 2025‑25).

Why it matters: The RU‑10 zone is intended as a “bridge” category between agricultural and more intensive commercial uses. Neighbors and commissioners pressed applicants and planning staff on how the rezoning could affect fire response, dust on single‑lane roads, and the potential for future, larger development if the parcels change hands. County officials said the rezoning does not guarantee approvals for specific developments; the rezoned parcels must still clear conditional‑use permitting and other building and safety reviews before any tourism or lodging uses could begin.

What happened: Planning staff explained the rezoning application, mapped notices and public outreach (500‑foot notices and signs were posted), and described that the parcels are in a “dry subdivision” with limited buildable acreage. The applicants described a plan limited to clustered low‑impact tourism uses (glamping-style sites) occupying a small portion of the 163 acres; they said more than 150 acres would be preserved.

Public commenters raised several concerns, including: - wildfire risk and limited evacuation/access on narrow dirt roads; - added vehicle trips and dust from a potential guest program; - whether deed restrictions or other recorded limits could prevent future, larger development.

County staff and the applicants responded that fire mitigation, road improvements and year‑round caretaker presence would be part of any conditional‑use permit (CUP) application; staff also noted many technical constraints in the ordinance (slope limits, septic and road standards) that limit buildable area. The applicants offered a voluntary deed restriction limiting build‑out to a specified number of units and said they would work with county departments during the CUP stage.

Votes and next steps: The commission approved the rezoning ordinance amendment (Ordinance 2025‑24). The applicants were instructed to proceed to the conditional‑use permitting stage; county staff said applicants must satisfy CUP conditions and infrastructure requirements before any development begins.

The commission also voted to adopt Ordinance 2025‑23 (vacating 7½‑foot utility easements in Ponderosa Villas, plat D) and Ordinance 2025‑25 (revisions to Kane County subdivision regulations on dedications). Both ordinances were approved unanimously.

Implementation and limits: County staff reminded the public that a zone change does not itself permit construction — subsequent CUP and building‑permit reviews are required. Commissioners and staff also noted the county cannot unilaterally require extensive county‑funded road upgrades for private development; any roadway work beyond normal maintenance typically requires separate agreements or budgeting.

Ending: The commission closed the land‑use items by directing staff to continue CUP review and by advising the applicants and neighbors to keep working with planning, public works and fire officials as the project advances.