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Commissioners approve Barker property rezone amid neighbor opposition
Summary
The Caribou County Board approved a zone map amendment allowing Dow Barker to convert about 72 acres east of Soda Springs from agricultural to low-density residential, despite testimony from neighbors citing agricultural preservation and infrastructure concerns.
The Caribou County Board of Commissioners approved a request to amend the county zoning map to change roughly 72 acres east of the City of Soda Springs from AG (Agricultural) to LDR (Low-Density Residential).
Helen Barker of Planning & Zoning summarized the application and noted that a Planning & Zoning meeting on April 2, 2026 did not produce a recommendation (a motion to recommend approval failed to receive a second). At a public hearing opened April 13, applicant Dow Barker said he planned to divide the parcel into one 20-acre and two 25-acre lots and argued the change would help provide housing for people who want to build homes near the city. School board chair Steven Barker told commissioners a lack of available housing impedes hiring school staff.
Opponents asked the board to deny the request. Kristine Wedertz and other neighboring property owners said the change would undermine agricultural preservation, strain infrastructure and set an undesirable precedent. Resident Mark Walquist said he purchased his property for its current parcel sizes and opposed the rezone.
After public comment and deliberation about spot zoning and directing growth closer to the city, Commissioner Bryce Somsen moved to approve the Barker rezone; Commissioner Mark Mathews seconded and the motion passed (vote tally not specified). The minutes record that the Planning & Zoning recommendation had been neutral because a prior motion failed to receive a second.
Why it matters: The rezoning removes an agricultural designation on about 72 acres and allows low-density residential development, which proponents say will expand housing options while opponents say it weakens agricultural protections and could create infrastructure demands.
Next steps: The record does not specify required conditions or infrastructure improvements; county staff will follow ordinance procedures for implementing the zone map amendment.
