Valley County P&Z — meeting roundup: approvals, denials and follow-ups from Feb. 12

Here are the key outcomes from the Valley County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Feb. 12, 2026:

• Sterling Landscaping (CUP 25‑031) — Approved. The commission approved a conditional‑use permit for Sterling Landscaping at 13965 Highway 55 with conditions: maximum six vehicles on site (three service, three employee), aggregate/storage bins shielded from Highway 55 view, cross‑access agreement with the property to the south, prohibition on storing debris or burning, and the CUP is nontransferable. The decision is subject to a 10‑day appeal period.

• Rocky Mountain Storage (SUV25‑019) — Denied. The commission denied a proposal for a 105‑unit storage development at 14014 Highway 55 after deliberations highlighted Scenic Byway impacts, traffic/safety concerns and precedent issues stemming from prior ‘personal use’ construction on the site. The applicant may appeal to the Board of County Commissioners within 10 days.

• Hummingbird Haven subdivision (SUV25‑021) — Tabled to April 9, 2026. The commission requested a Valley County Road Department inspection and an engineer’s measurement of Ilkka Lane (width, grade, turning radius); the item will return after the road director issues a recommendation and the applicant provides any required health and road documentation.

• Maney Solar Panels (CUP 25‑036) — Approved. A CUP for three ground‑mounted agricultural solar arrays (nine panels total, max 10 ft) at 9194 Margo Drive was approved; the owner must obtain required building permits and comply with Donnelly Fire and dark‑sky lighting requirements.

• Alpine Storage (PUD 23‑02 / CUP 23‑11 / DR/SR) — Recommendation for final development plan approval sent to the Board of County Commissioners. The commission recommended approval of the final development plan subject to standard conditions, including dedication of right‑of‑way and required road mitigation agreements before building permits can be issued.

• Crematorium at McCall Funeral Home — No CUP required. The commission determined that installing a crematorium unit in an existing garage at 155 South Sampson Trail does not change the land‑use classification and does not require a conditional‑use permit.

• Professional forester approval — Approved. The commission approved Colin Chambers as an authorized professional forester under Valley County Code Title 10‑7; the commission noted conflicts of interest will be reviewed case‑by‑case when he submits plans.

• Other procedural items — Staff and commissioners discussed updating landscaping and design guidelines and requested county assistance and funding to enable remote testimony (Zoom/Teams) and to upgrade audiovisual equipment for future meetings.

Votes at a glance (formal recorded motions listed at the meeting): minutes approval; removal from table motions; CUP 25‑031 approved; SUV25‑019 denied; SUV25‑021 tabled to April 9; CUP25‑036 approved; recommendation for PUD 23‑02 final development plan approved; crematorium ruled not requiring a CUP; Colin Chambers approved as professional forester; facts and conclusions approved for two other CUPs listed on the agenda.

What to watch: Hummingbird Haven’s return (road‑director recommendation) and any appeal of the Rocky Mountain Storage denial to the Board of County Commissioners.