Neighbors report dangerous dogs, unpermitted trailers and sewage concerns; county staff to follow up

Residents of the Rainbow Ranchos neighborhood told the Iron County Commission that a particular parcel has repeatedly generated public‑safety and health complaints involving unpermitted dwellings, roaming dogs and alleged septic problems.

"She took her dog out for a walk and as she walked towards 5300 West 3400 South, 2 of the numerous dogs that live in that on that property got out of the yard, came, and 1 of them attacked her dog and killed the dog," resident Mary Jo Montoya said during public comment. She said multiple complaints to the sheriff's office and building officials have not resolved the situation and described three travel trailers permanently stationed on a one‑acre parcel with newly installed piping and makeshift additions.

Joseph Moore, who said he lives two houses away from the property, described dogs approaching him while he worked outside and said deputies had told residents that, absent a bite or video evidence, there was little that could be done. "But the last time she was basically told, unless it bites somebody, bites the dog, or unless you have video or picture evidence, there's not much that can be done," Moore said.

Terry Palmer, the county's building and zoning director, had earlier raised the broader issue during his departmental report, asking the commission whether it would revisit the county's nuisance ordinance to address "nuisance use of land for living, keeping of animals, and commercial activities without permitted dwellings or permanent water and sewer." He said code enforcement staff had issued 42 violation letters so far this year and that travel trailers and related conditions along Lund Highway were recurring problems.

Commission staff and the county attorney indicated they would follow up. At the meeting Commissioner staff asked residents to meet briefly after the hearing so deputies and building staff could collect addresses, photographs and other evidence for enforcement action and health‑department review. County staff also noted that septic and public‑health jurisdiction issues would be handled through the appropriate health or environmental authority.

Residents asked for clearer, faster enforcement and better communication about how complaints are handled. Commissioners did not adopt new rules at the meeting; instead, staff were directed to gather more documentation and coordinate enforcement, building‑permit review and public‑health follow‑up.

The county did not publish a finding about the specific Rainbow Ranchos parcel at this meeting; residents said they would provide additional documentation to staff.