Uintah County approves BLM right‑of‑way, rezone for Jolley Orthodontics, locked‑gate ordinance and two general plan amendments

Uintah County commissioners on Dec. 2 approved several land‑use and planning actions: a Bureau of Land Management right‑of‑way grant for parking at Ashley Springs, a rezone to allow Jolley Orthodontics to build on a one‑acre corner parcel, an ordinance regulating locked gates on county roads, and two amendments to the county general plan addressing economic development and water use.

Matt Kazier of Community Development described the BLM right‑of‑way (grant UTUT106718721) as authorizing about 1.5 acres of improvements: roughly a half‑acre of 90‑degree parking along Ashley Springs Road and approximately one acre inland for parking and an improved turnaround to prevent pull‑through onto adjacent water‑district property. The board authorized signatures on the two BLM documents, including the chair’s signature and a BLM official.

Deanna Nyberg, also of Community Development, presented a rezone request for property owned by Raymond and Heather Pease at 267 North 2500 West (serial 041260044). The applicant, Jolley Orthodontics, asked to change zoning from RA‑1 to C‑1 for a one‑acre corner parcel to build an orthodontic office. Nyberg reported the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval after a public hearing; a single nearby property owner raised access concerns, which county road staff said could be addressed and the applicant is considering alternate access.

Scott Hardman of the County Road Department presented Ordinance No. 1029202501, a four‑page locked‑gate policy that incorporates measures from state code (transcript cites 72‑7‑105 and 72‑7‑106) and addresses permitting, enforcement and where locked gates may be placed on county rights‑of‑way. Staff and county legal reviewed the ordinance and commissioners approved it.

Travis Campbell and Matt Kazier presented two amendments to the Uintah County general plan. Resolution 11‑26‑25 R1 updates the economic development section with refreshed data and an action plan focused on economic diversification, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, small business support and regional coordination. Resolution 11‑26‑25 R2 adds a water use and preservation element, including policies to coordinate with water districts and cities on delivery systems and language supporting efficient irrigation practices; staff said the changes were requested by the state to meet grant and statutory requirements and do not change the plan’s intent.

All items were approved by motion and voice vote. The board thanked staff and the BLM for their cooperation and closed the planning items before moving on to remaining business.