Rush Valley Planning & Zoning approves multiple permits, including a home‑based meth‑decontamination business

Scott Hawkins, chair of the Rush Valley Planning & Zoning Commission, opened the commission’s March 4 meeting and the body approved a series of permits and conditional‑use applications brought by local residents.

The most substantive home‑business approval went to Jeff Hardy, who told the commission he is a “state certified meth decontamination specialist” and that his operation will mainly be a home office to arrange testing and decontamination performed at client properties. Hardy said he conducts surface swabs and ships samples to a laboratory; he added that decontamination uses water‑based detergents and that he stores only “single‑digit ounces” of analytical‑grade methanol for sampling. Commissioners and staff confirmed Hardy must also obtain a separate business license; the commission approved a conditional‑use permit by voice vote.

The commission also approved a building permit for Jason Gabler, who said he will replace an existing single‑wide mobile home on a Sun Tan Corporation lot with a HUD‑certified double‑wide. Gabler said the new unit will use the site’s existing Rocky Mountain Power connection, the property’s shared well and septic system, and “will sit essentially the same footprint” though shifted east; he told the commission he would submit the finalized plans and HUD certification documents this week. Commissioners discussed tie‑down requirements and setbacks; carports and other accessory structures were described as future work requiring separate permits.

A proposed 12‑by‑20 storage shed for Tyler Kimber was approved after staff noted it must be moved to meet the 20‑foot side‑yard setback for the property’s zone. The commission’s motion required the shed be positioned at least 20 feet from the property line.

Roger Evans received approval for a separate 12‑by‑20 storage shed; commissioners reviewed the lot layout, confirmed separation from neighboring structures and approved the permit.

Andrea Stidman received a conditional‑use permit to operate an ice‑cream vending business from a repurposed vehicle. Stidman told the commission she plans to sell only prepackaged food and had consulted the health department; staff explained the separate business‑license process and associated fees.

On a procedural matter the commission reviewed required documents related to a boundary‑adjustment and variance for parcels tied to the Vance and Betty Sager trust. Curtis Sager (the trustee) provided deeds, an access easement and an exhibit map; staff said these documents have been prepared and reviewed by the county recorder but are not yet recorded. The commission verified that the paperwork meets the commission’s earlier conditions and noted the documents will be recorded after the town council signs them; staff agreed to supply a recorded copy to planning staff once available.

Most motions were approved by voice vote. The meeting concluded with no public comments and the commission adjourning by unanimous voice vote.

The commission identified follow‑ups: final building plans and HUD certification for the Gabler modular home; recorded easement and parcel documents after town‑council signature for the Sager trust item; and standard business licensing for the approved home businesses.