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Developers propose 60-unit low-visibility resort on Old Fort Ranch; P&Z seeks permitted-use agreement
Summary
Applicants proposed rezoning large parcels on the Old Fort Ranch from AG to C-2 for a proposed 60-unit hotel and retreat; the commission did not record a final vote and directed staff and counsel to draft a development/use-agreement that specifies permitted uses and infrastructure obligations.
A proposed 60-unit, low-density hotel and retreat on part of the Old Fort Ranch drew extensive discussion at the Feb. 11 meeting of the Kane County Planning & Zoning Commission. The applicants (listed in the record as Noel Christopher Eberz and Gregory Wyatt, with Jennie Peterson and Greg Wyatt appearing) sought rezoning from Agriculture (AG) to Commercial Two (C-2) for two large parcels (4-7-2-1 and 4-7-3-1A) under Ordinance 2026-04.
Applicants Jennie Peterson and Greg (Gregory) Wyatt described prior hospitality experience and a 17-unit precedent property, pledged local hiring and year-round employment, and said the project would be low-visibility from Kanab. They said they hold water rights on the property and are working with Fredonia and the water conservancy to model supply and fire-protection needs. They described access primarily via a private easement road and proposed only limited widening and culvert repairs to preserve a predominantly dirt road experience. The applicants also discussed downcast, hooded lighting and indicated a development agreement with defined permitted uses could substitute for full engineering plans at this stage.
Public commenters largely expressed conditional support for low-impact, ecotourism-style development that preserves views and brings economic benefit: Sam Noel and landowner Chris Eberz emphasized expected investment and jobs; others including Jacob Cluff and Cindy Nelson praised the limited visibility and potential tax benefits. Several speakers voiced caveats and asked for safeguards: Maria VanHart and Ali Route urged protections for community character, raised concerns about occupancy and long-term changes in ownership, and asked that incompatible future uses (for example, a helicopter pad) be excluded. Martin Greenbank specifically requested that a helicopter pad not be included in any permitted uses.
Commissioners and staff pressed the applicants on water supply modeling, road responsibilities, lighting, fire protection and the level of detail required to protect county interests. The applicants offered to restrict uses through a development agreement and to identify infrastructure commitments, possibly including employee housing. The Planning & Zoning Commission emphasized that a clear, written list of permitted uses is needed before it will recommend rezoning and directed staff and legal counsel to draft a use-agreement; the transcript does not record a final rezoning vote on this item.
