Planning commission approves zone change for Ariel Jessup parcel amid access and easement questions

The Garfield County Planning Commission voted to recommend a zone change from agricultural to commercial for a parcel owned by Ariel Jessup, saying the change will be forwarded to the county commission for final action.

Planning staff described the property near Cannonville at the Garfield–Kane County border and said a recent traffic study showed the maximum buildout of seven transient lodging units would generate about 34 peak daily trips, a level that does not require a turning lane. Staff and commissioners, however, repeatedly raised concerns about the parcel’s access: the first parcel encountered from the main road is the Georgetown Cemetery, and the usual access is a narrow two‑track that crosses or abuts cemetery land.

Bill Scofield, mayor of Cannonville, told commissioners the Red Rock staging group brings semi trailers into the area “at least 4 times a year” and has in the past parked staging vehicles near the cemetery, which he said blocked access. He said he was trying to work with operators to stage elsewhere. Planning staff noted an easement had been given by Bobby Jo Watts for a portion of the parking area, and one speaker said Anita Fletcher had provided an easement for cemetery access.

Commissioners discussed whether the town of Cannonville would serve the parcel with its water line; staff said a Cannonville waterline does run in the area but that annexation and connection are separate processes and that the owner had previously considered purchasing a 4‑inch meter (staff discussed an estimated $11,000 meter cost and the owner’s interest in a fire hydrant). Staff also noted that commercial zoning carries no fixed cap on units and that actual unit counts would be constrained by water and septic capacity and setbacks.

After discussing easement confirmation, road improvements and whether Cannonville would provide water service, a commissioner moved and the commission seconded to approve the zone change and forward the recommendation to the county commission. The motion carried by voice vote; the planning commission chair said staff will present the recommendation to the county commission at its next meeting.

The planning commission did not set specific approval conditions beyond the normal checks required by building and code enforcement; staff reiterated any required inspections, business licensing and county‑level approvals must be completed before operation.