Jefferson County denies request to rezone two parcels near Rigby after public hearing

Jefferson County commissioners on Aug. 25 denied a request to rezone two parcels off 4100 East from R5 to R1, concluding the proposal conflicted with the county’s comprehensive‑plan goals and would not fit the existing character of the area.

The rezoning request (ZON24‑0005) would have split a 4.26‑acre parcel and a 1‑acre parcel into approximately five 1‑acre lots. Applicant Cheyenne Passy Rasmussen said her family inherited the land and argued the parcels meet the technical lot‑size definition for R1 zoning and that Rigby has experienced substantial growth: "Rigby has seen a 70% growth increase in 10 years," Rasmussen said, urging the board that utilities and two building permits already exist.

Multiple nearby residents opposed the change during the public hearing, citing falling water tables, road safety and loss of agricultural land. Sherry Jones told the board she was "strongly opposed," arguing that added housing would "cause water, traffic and safety problems" and could harm neighborhood character. Wesley Jones and other neighbors said wells have been deepened and that traffic on 4100 East already creates safety concerns.

Milton, the county’s planning staff, summarized the Planning & Zoning Commission’s unanimous recommendation for denial and noted the county has tried to keep higher‑density zoning within city areas of impact. Commissioners cited both policy and practical concerns in deliberation. Commissioner Clark said the parcel "doesn't fit to go to 1 acre" given surrounding larger lots and lack of contiguity with the existing area of impact. Commissioner Young agreed that the request "doesn't fit what the comprehensive plan is trying to do" and pointed to the county’s goal of channeling growth into the area of impact.

Chair members also noted a state law change, effective July 1, that will shrink some areas of impact and tighten where higher‑density development can occur. After deliberation, a motion to deny ZON24‑0005 was moved and seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote. The chair informed the public that an appeal of the decision may be filed in district court.

The denial preserves the current R5 zoning for the parcels. Commissioners asked staff to ensure any future subdivision proposals include clear irrigation and water‑supply documentation and to continue using impact fees and the comprehensive plan to manage incremental development.

The board closed the hearing and moved to the next agenda items.