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Jefferson County commissioners approve rezoning for 143-acre parcel, require sewer and water hookup for development
Summary
After a public hearing, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a reconsideration to rezone roughly 143 acres from Agriculture-10 to Residential-1, on the condition that any future development must connect to city sewer and water. The decision followed applicant testimony and neighbor concerns about irrigation, septic systems and long-term planning.
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 6 to approve a zone-map amendment for approximately 143 acres near Rigby, changing the zoning from Agriculture-10 to Residential-1 with a condition that any future development connect to city sewer and water.
Planning staff presented the application and noted the parcel lies close to Rigby’s area of impact and near existing sewer infrastructure. Milton, the county planner, said the comprehensive plan designates the area for residential use and that the board could impose a development agreement to secure conditions if it approves the rezoning.
Appellants Seth George and Terry Ellsworth told the board they were seeking the zoning to preserve future options, not to begin immediate construction. "I'm not looking to develop it tomorrow," George said, adding the family would evaluate lot sizes, water and sewer needs when they are ready.
Neighbors who testified urged care on density and infrastructure. Calvin Kinghorn, whose property lies adjacent, said smaller lots with sewer produce more usable, attractive developments: "If I was them, that's what I'd wanna do or hook onto the sewer." Albert Bishop said he bought county land to preserve a country lifestyle and warned that premature or poorly serviced subdivision could alter the area’s character.
Commissioners focused discussion on long-term infrastructure and environmental risk. Citing groundwater vulnerability and the county’s interest in coordinated planning with Rigby, one commissioner said the board was not opposed to R1 zoning in principle but wanted to ensure future development did not create septic-related pollution or block the city’s growth.
Commissioner Shane moved to approve the rezoning application to R1 with the condition that future development connect to city sewer and water; Commissioner Roger seconded. The motion passed on roll call, with the board recording three ayes.
The board’s conditional approval means the applicants may proceed with a zoning change but any development proposal will be required to demonstrate sewer and water connections or a development agreement that secures those services. The board said it will continue to monitor capacity, annexation issues and longer-range transportation needs as the area develops.
