Commission recommends administrative amendment to Camp Cayet CUP to allow limited work while Corps permits are pending

The Kane County Planning and Zoning Commission on April 8 recommended that the land‑use administrator be permitted to process administrative amendments and remove temporary compliance holds for Camp Cayet’s conditional‑use permit (CUP) after verification that required permits are obtained.

Shannon, the county staff member presenting the item, told commissioners the project (also referred to as Dairy Canyon) still needs permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for wetlands and a bridge crossing. "They don't have that yet," Shannon said, explaining the requested language would let the applicant proceed on portions of the project that do not involve the wetlands or bridge while the Corps review is underway.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant about the Corps’ jurisdiction. The applicant and staff said the Corps indicated in recent correspondence that construction could continue on some portions but that road improvements could not proceed until permits are issued. Staff estimated Corps review could take "6 to 8 months," while bridge work was described as potentially taking "about 2 months."

Several commissioners voiced caution about delegating too much authority to a single staff member; Shannon said she would consult commissioners and involve them in decisions. Still, a motion to recommend approval — authorizing the land‑use administrator to process amendments and remove temporary compliance holds upon verification that required permits have been obtained — passed with no recorded opposition.

The commission’s recommendation goes to the Kane County Commission for final action. The change is administrative (it does not change substantive CUP conditions) but is intended to allow construction activity that does not affect the wetland or bridge areas to move forward while the Corps completes its permitting review.