Planning commission recommends rezoning for parcel swap near Ephraim airport

The Ephraim City Planning Commission on June 11 voted to recommend that the Ephraim City Council approve a general plan amendment and corresponding rezoning to enable a parcel swap between Camino Verde Group (CBG) and Walken T (Walken T Ranch).

The motion — to amend the general plan and rezone the property at 400 South and 800 West from agricultural to residential agricultural and to rezone the parcel on Kiesel (Keesel) Lane west of 400 from residential agricultural to commercial (C2) — was made by Commissioner Shelby and seconded; the commission voted in favor and will forward the recommendation to the City Council for final action.

Staff told the commission the swap would place commercial or higher-density uses nearer to the airport and move single-family residential farther from the airport overlay. The planner said the state-required airport overlay discourages single-family homes inside the overlay because new residential construction must accept avigation easements acknowledging aircraft overflights. "Usually airports and residential don't really mix very well," staff said, describing the overlay's intent to limit residential exposure to aircraft noise and related constraints.

Applicant Paul Thompson, who identified himself as representing Walken T, told the commission his family owns about 10 acres on Keisel Lane and that a trade would let his son build a home away from the airport overlay. "That was my dad's cattle brand... I guess I'm Walking T," Thompson said, and asked that any zoning changes be done "in tandem" so his family would not be left without a place to build.

Nearby residents spoke at the public hearing. Resident Bill Ram said he opposes changing farmland or large-lot residential into commercial or high-density housing, stating, "It doesn't fit Ephraim. It doesn't fit that area." Other speakers urged the commission to consider neighborhood character and infrastructure impacts.

Commission discussion emphasized that this is a private request between property owners and that the city's role is to judge whether the change fits surrounding uses and code. Members noted that much of the land around the small RA pocket already carries C2 designations and that the swap could create a more gradual zoning transition in the area if the council approves it.

The commission's recommendation will be considered by the Ephraim City Council at a future meeting; the commission does not have authority to finalize the zoning change. The staff report and the record of the public hearing will accompany the recommendation.