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Orderville commission recommends short-term rental permit for Griffiths, restricts events
Summary
After neighbors raised easement and access concerns, the planning commission recommended the town council approve Thomas Griffiths' conditional-use request to operate a short-term rental at 1 Wild Turkey Way, adding a recommended condition that the property not be used for events; one member abstained citing a financial tie to the rental program.
Orderville — The Orderville Planning and Zoning Commission on July 30 voted to recommend the town council approve a conditional-use permit allowing Thomas Griffiths to operate a short-term (vacation) rental at 1 Wild Turkey Way, while recommending the council prohibit events at the property.
Neighbor Eric Jenkins told the commission he objects because access to the property crosses Jenkins family land and "he doesn't even have a legal right of way through there," raising concerns the rental could increase traffic on a disputed drive. Jenkins and other neighbors said the road has been used informally for years but that recent widening and tearing up of the surface prompted them to consult counsel.
Supporters and other residents said the Griffiths and predecessors have used the access for decades; one speaker said Terry and Lucy Griffiths have used the easement for "30 some odd years." One participant cited Utah law and said seven years of open use can establish a prescriptive easement.
Commissioners examined ordinance standards for short-term rentals and noted parking and noise rules apply; the application lists four bedrooms and the plan shows eight off-street parking spaces, exceeding the town's one-space-per-bedroom guidance. Commissioners also asked whether pending litigation over the easement should halt action; the board said it was advising the town council on conditional-use eligibility only and is not ruling on property-rights litigation.
Chair (unidentified) said the commission could recommend conditions to address neighborhood concerns: "We can recommend to the town council that they put a stipulation on that that this [home] is not to be used for events like weddings and different things." A commissioner moved to recommend approval under conditional-use rules; the motion carried. One member abstained, saying they have a direct financial tie to the rental program.
What happens next
The planning commission’s recommendation will go to the Town Council; the commission invited neighbors to attend the council meeting next week to present their case. The commission’s recommendation does not resolve private easement rights or ongoing litigation.
