Valley County approves vacation of 12-foot utility easement at Mountain Meadows to allow attached garage

The Valley County Board of Commissioners on March 24 approved an application to vacate a 12-foot utility easement between interior lot lines at 13148 Cameron Drive in Mountain Meadows Subdivision No. 2, Block B, to allow the property owners to build an attached garage and convert an existing garage into a bedroom. The board adopted Resolution 25-09, the declaration of vacation of utility easements, and accepted the Planning and Zoning Commission’s unanimous recommendation for approval.

Raul, a county planning staff member, presented the staff report and said the subdivision plat (recorded July 23, 1973) shows a 12-foot easement centered on interior lot lines. He said the subject lots have already been combined for taxing purposes and the applicants requested the vacation to permit construction that otherwise would encroach on the easement. The staff report noted a designated floodplain and possible wetlands within the property boundary but stated there would be no impacts from the proposed vacation.

Agency responses cited in the staff report included a statement from Megal Kelly, associate real estate specialist with Idaho Power, that Idaho Power has no facilities in the described easement and does not object; a response from Mike Greeno to Central District Health stating no objections; a statement that Donnie, the fire marshal, had no comments or concerns; and comments from Emily Hart, McCall airport manager, indicating no comments. DEQ provided its standard letter.

James, the applicant, briefly addressed the board: “Not really. We’re just building a bedroom downstairs because we need to hold the line of stairs,” and described the intent to add garage space to accommodate current and future needs.

The Planning and Zoning Commission concluded that vacating the easement would not inhibit future development of the subdivision and that other existing easements would allow utilities to reach nearby lots. The county staff prepared two motions (one for approval and one for denial); Commissioners approved the motion to accept the P&Z facts and conclusions, approve VAC24-004, and adopt Resolution 25-09. The motion passed on a voice vote with all commissioners indicating approval.

No public comments for or against the vacation were recorded during the hearing.

The county clerk will finalize signatures and notarization for the declaration of vacation as part of the implementation steps.