The Valley County Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 8 denied a conditional‑use permit for an eight‑site, low‑profile campground at 14112 Norwood Road, citing safety and compatibility concerns raised by McCall Airport and the Idaho Division of Aeronautics.

Staff summarized CUP25‑034 as a limited, low‑impact campground with ground platforms, porta‑potties, two community fire rings and no RVs; staff noted required permits and conditions (stormwater management, potable water permitting, fire access and turnaround, approach permits and coordination with Lake Irrigation District). The applicant, Brianna Bambeck, described the proposal as a land‑management tool to preserve grazing land while providing limited regulated camping access.

Airport staff and aviation professionals strongly opposed the proposal. Emily Hart, McCall Airport manager, said the campground is within the airport’s approach and departure surfaces — an inner critical zone used to protect instrument flight procedures and medevac operations — and that campsites where people congregate are a residential/assembly use incompatible with that zone. The Idaho Division of Aeronautics confirmed the site is within a restricted airspace zone and recommended denial. Multiple pilots and local aviation stakeholders told the commission they rely on the airport’s IFR approach for medical evacuations and that introducing a campground could create hazards and threaten federal grant assurances for the airport.

Commissioners said the campground concept was well designed for its rural setting but that its placement near the runway end is inappropriate given aviation safety risks. After deliberation, the commission moved to deny CUP25‑034. The motion passed; the commission noted a 10‑day appeal period to the Board of County Commissioners.

Staff listed typical conditions that would apply to campgrounds (shielded downward lighting, no events, trash plans, liability insurance, fire rings, separation from waterways and wetlands), but commissioners concluded the airport compatibility issue was dispositive for this site.