Commissioners signal support for Fort Ranch development agreement draft, seek tighter transfer and annexation language

Kane County commissioners on April 28 informally agreed to transmit a revised draft development agreement for the former Fort Ranch property to Kanab City and the planning commission, but asked the applicant to narrow several contract terms before a formal vote.

The document, presented by applicant Greg Wyatt, would allow limited commercial uses on two parcels (approximately 900 acres total) with a 5-acre commercial core for a hotel and associated restaurant and recreation facilities, and a cap of 60 revenue-generating units divided among up to 40 hotel rooms and as many as 25 residential units spread across the remainder of the property.

County counsel Jeff raised several concerns about newly added language in the draft contract, telling commissioners that "section 3.11 ... is a bit ambiguous, and I don't know how to interpret it" and warning that the county should avoid contractually binding itself to secure services such as roads, water or fire support. Counsel also highlighted transfer language that would permit sales to affiliates or third parties after certificates of occupancy, and a clause restricting the county's ability to pass a…