Bannock County planning council approves conditional use permit for portable sheds in Lava Hot Springs

The Bannock County Planning and Development Council on July 15 approved a conditional use permit allowing Joanne Hall to sell portable prebuilt sheds from a display lot at 10948 South Dempsey Creek Road in Lava Hot Springs. The council adopted findings and attached four conditions and carried the motion by a 3-0 roll call vote.

The council approved operating hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, required all signs to comply with zoning ordinance section 475.14, required outdoor lighting to meet zoning ordinance section 475.10, and required that all customer parking be contained on the property with no street parking permitted. The council’s action implements the staff report and testimony presented at the public hearing and authorizes the chair or vice chair to sign the order.

Applicant Joanne Hall described the business as a display lot for portable prebuilt sheds built in Jerome and rated for local conditions, saying the units meet a 200-psf snow load and 115-mph wind rating. Hall told the council that “[a] 100% of my sales are completed online,” and that most sales are drop-shipped directly from the builder to buyers’ lots; she said the lot is intended primarily to display models and that transactions are not completed on site.

Neighbors who testified in support said the display lot is not intrusive and that Hall has been a good neighbor. Jane Dame, who identified her residence as across the street at 10795 South Dempsey Creek Road, told the council she had no objections and described the property as “very presentable.” No one testified in opposition.

Staff planner Annie Hughes said the use is allowable in a recreational zone with a conditional use permit and noted this application is materially similar to a previously approved use on Waiter Highway. Council members reviewed the standard conditional-use findings — compatibility with surrounding properties, traffic impacts, public health and safety, consistency with county goals, and site compatibility — and concluded the proposed use would not materially harm surrounding properties. The council also noted the operation is seasonal and generates limited on-site traffic.

The council's decision is subject to appeal to the Bannock County Board of County Commissioners; the staff notice read at the meeting informed the public that any appeal must be filed within 10 days and that interested parties should contact the Office of Planning and Development Services for instructions. The conditional use permit approval and the ordinance-based conditions will be included in the written findings and order signed by the chair or vice chair.

The meeting record shows the motion to approve was made and seconded and that the roll call vote was unanimous (three yes votes), after which the council closed the hearing and proceeded to later agenda items.