Moffat County consolidates EMS rules and approves four land‑use requests

Moffat County’s Board of County Commissioners on March 11 approved a resolution that consolidates the county’s emergency medical services policy and voted to approve four land‑use requests: a minor subdivision (S‑2501), a conditional‑use permit for mining support (C‑2503), an exemption from subdivision regulations (E‑2502) and a conditional‑use permit for three cabins (C‑2502).

The actions were taken during the board’s regular meeting in Craig. Commissioners held public hearings on the land‑use items and heard limited public comment before voting; all motions carried.

The EMS action: consolidation and rescissions

Todd Wheeler of the Office of Emergency Management told the board staff had prepared a single updated resolution to replace earlier, overlapping documents. "We're gonna remove resolution 20 22 41 and 20 24 82, combine them into a new resolution ... pertaining to emergency medical services operating within Moffat County," Wheeler said, adding the consolidated text also addresses ambulance responses and the change in ambulance licensing after the state assumed licensing responsibilities last year.

The board approved Resolution 20 25‑28 and rescinded Resolution 20 22‑41 and Resolution 20 24‑82 while retaining Resolution 20 24‑122 (which covers MRH’s primary transport responsibility). A motion to adopt the new resolution passed; the board recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried.

Minor subdivision: North Mabel (S‑2501)

Planning and zoning coordinator Candace Miller presented a final plat for the North Mabel minor subdivision (S‑2501) on a 23.32‑acre parcel at County Road 19 owned by Paul Goudy. The plan divides the parcel into four lots of approximately 5.83 acres each; one existing residence occupies one of the resulting parcels. Miller said the planning board reviewed the request and recommended approval at its February meeting and that the BOCC had previously approved the preliminary application and sketch. The BOCC approved the final plat; the board recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried.

Conditional use for mining support: Badger Hole LLC (C‑2503)

The board considered a conditional‑use application by Badger Hole LLC (C‑2503) for mineral exploration and associated support facilities roughly 19 miles northwest of Craig. Miller said the application seeks permission for small onsite camps (about four camp spots), a small septic system to serve them and solar‑powered facilities; the applicant also holds Bureau of Land Management (BLM) permits for nearby mining activity. Miller noted the planning board recommended approval and asked the applicant to coordinate with Road and Bridge because the access road is not county‑maintained.

A member of the public asked whether the proposal included information on what minerals the applicant would seek. Miller said she had discussed the project with the applicant (identified in testimony to Miller as Harry), and quoted his stated intent: "Initially, they're looking for gold, but they're also ... looking for some rare earth minerals." The board approved the conditional‑use permit; the motion carried.

Exemption from subdivision regulations: Fleming (E‑2502)

The commissioners approved an exemption from subdivision regulations for David and Joan Fleming (E‑2502). Miller said the Flemings own a 35.03‑acre parcel and proposed a one‑time property exemption to carve off a 9.225‑acre parcel that currently holds a residence occupied by the owner’s son. Miller stated there were no prior exemptions on the parcel and that both resulting parcels will use the existing access easement. The board approved the exemption; the motion carried.

Conditional use for three cabins: Robert Flores (C‑2502)

The board approved a conditional‑use permit for Robert Flores (C‑2502) to place three cabins on a 47.443‑acre parcel at the end of Lowell Street in Mabel. Miller said the cabins are intended for family use and hunters. She told the board the parcel crosses a sewer easement and that Flores may use two taps into the Mabel sewer system; the planning staff spoke with utility staff (Roy Tipton and Marlon) and, as Miller summarized, "through those two free taps, it's just the tap fee that will be waived. He will have to still pay ... the construction and have those inspected." The planning board had recommended approval by a 3‑0 vote. The BOCC approved the conditional use; the motion carried.

What the votes mean next

The EMS resolution replaces multiple older county resolutions with one consolidated document; county staff indicated the change is intended to simplify administration and provide a single reference for ambulance response and EMS procedures. The land‑use approvals clear the way for the specific property actions described above; applicants who received approvals will still need to obtain any required permits, inspections and state approvals (where noted) before construction or expanded operations begin.

The board scheduled its next regular meeting for March 25 at 8:30 a.m.