Commission approves tier and zone changes around Canaryville after discussion of septic density and sewer goals

At a public hearing the Iron County Commission approved a general‑plan amendment to alter tier boundaries in the Canterville/Canaryville urban‑expansion area and a companion zoning change that moves many R‑1 blocks to R‑5 and RA‑20 designations.

Planning presenter Reid Erickson explained the changes are intended to bring land‑use classifications into conformity with existing lot sizes, septic‑system nitrate limits and groundwater concerns. Staff reviewed a septic‑density model and said an original technical recommendation of about 16 acres per septic was adjusted in county analysis; commissioners discussed allowing higher nitrate degradation thresholds in projections (discussion referenced 1–2 mg/L vs. allowing up to 3.5 mg/L in county projections) and noted that community sewer connections and central sewer districts would ultimately enable smaller lots.

Commissioners emphasized caution given past municipal wells taken offline because of elevated nitrate levels and discussed the long‑term goal of creating sewer districts where appropriate. After public comment and the presentation, the commission voted to approve the tier boundary amendment and the associated rezoning motions. Staff said further municipal annexation adjustments and boundary clean‑up would follow as a three‑step process (tier change, zone change, municipality boundary adjustments).