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Commission approves rezoning for large geothermal/light-industrial project near Delta
Summary
The commission approved a map amendment to rezone roughly 617 acres near Topaz Road from agricultural to light industrial to allow geothermal exploration and potential development, after an applicant representative described marginal farm soils and geothermal potential.
The Millard County Commission voted to approve a zoning map amendment to reclassify about 617 acres near Topaz Road and 4000 West/4500 North from agriculture to Light Industrial, clearing the way for potential geothermal exploration and related development.
Darren Smith, speaking for the applicant, said the land historically operated as a feedlot and has marginal soil productivity. He described geothermal potential under the property and argued a zone change would align with the county general plan’s allowance for nonproductive agricultural parcels to be used for appropriate resource development.
Staff and commissioners discussed compatibility with nearby uses and recounted that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended the application unanimously after discussion. A motion to approve the application (Z‑2025‑040) was made and seconded. A roll‑call vote was recorded: commissioners answered in the affirmative as the clerk called the roll (the transcript shows representatives responding, e.g., "Commissioner Wright? Yes." "Mister Lyman? Yes."). The motion carried as recorded in the meeting record.
The approval changes the official zoning of the affected parcels to Light Industrial, enabling uses permitted in that zone and opening the door to future permits for geothermal operations, consistent with county criteria such as infrastructure capacity, compatibility and general‑plan consistency. Staff noted future permits and infrastructural reviews will still be required before any specific industrial or geothermal facility is built.
The commission did not detail a timeline for development; the rezoning permits subsequent permitting steps, environmental review and infrastructure planning that will be necessary before construction.
