Commission recommends code changes to allow and regulate off‑site parking for guest ranches

The Eastern Summit County Planning Commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to the County Council on code changes that would regulate off‑site parking lots for guest ranches, lodges and event centers.

Ray, a planner presenting the amendment, said the proposal incorporates parking‑design standards taken from Chapter 10 of the Snyderville Basin development code directly into the county code because ‘‘we can’t just refer ourselves to chapter 10 of a different code,’’ so staff transcribed the standards into the amendment. He said the draft adds criteria to address distance and route, traffic mitigation and safety.

Commissioners sought clarification about access to parking spaces. Ray explained access should be from a parking lane or private driveway into the parking area rather than lining parking stalls onto a public road. During the presentation staff also acknowledged a page reference error (a mistaken reference to a contractor’s yard on page 15) and agreed to correct it.

Applicant Bob Sherry and reviewer Mike Phillips addressed the commission in support. Mike Phillips said he and colleagues reviewed the language and were ‘‘very happy with what Ray has put together.’’

A motion to forward a positive recommendation to County Council, including the agreed amendment, was made and seconded; the motion passed by voice vote with ayes recorded and no opposition noted. The County Council has final approval authority for the code amendment.

Next steps: staff will correct the page reference and prepare the ordinance text for the council hearing; no hearing date was specified in the transcript.