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Commission adopts ordinance allowing regulated small contractor shops and offices in certain residential zones
Summary
The commission approved Ordinance 2025-1 to permit small contractor shop/offices in RA20, R5 and R2 zones under administrative or conditional permits with limits on vehicles, equipment, screening and hours. Supporters said the change will regulate existing informal businesses; opponents asked for more public notice and stronger enforcement.
The Iron County Commission on Jan. 13 approved Ordinance 2025-1, a county-code amendment that allows regulated small contractor shop/offices in several rural residential zones with conditions intended to limit neighborhood impacts.
Under the ordinance as adopted, contractor-shop uses in RA20 and R5 will require an administrative land-use permit and will be limited by the number of service vehicles and pieces of heavy equipment allowed on-site, by screening and landscaping requirements, by hours of operation and by prohibitions on on-street parking and inoperable equipment. Planning staff said the rules are modeled to provide a path for small businesses to operate while allowing neighbors to comment and staff to impose mitigation conditions.
Several residents requested that the commission delay action for broader outreach; staff and counsel said many similar businesses are already operating informally and that the ordinance creates enforceable, predictable standards. After public comment and discussion, the commission voted to adopt the ordinance.
The ordinance makes contractor-shop small a permitted use in some agricultural zones and an administratively regulated use in RA20, R5 and R2; heavier commercial activities remain restricted to commercial and industrial zones. Staff said applicants will be notified to adjacent property owners and permits will include enforceable mitigation measures.
