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Commissioners approve Refuge West filings but flag land-use rules after Chapter 23 study
Summary
Lincoln County approved three Refuge West subdivision filings and related resolutions, but staff and commissioners agreed to review County land-use rules after Planning staff and outside planners flagged a possible major-subdivision process issue.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved Files 420 SS 21, 421 SS 21 and 422 SS 21 (Refuge West First, Second and Third Filing) and adopted Resolutions of Approval after the Planning staff presented a Chapter 23 study requested on Dec. 8, 2021. Commissioner Hansen moved for approval and the board adopted the motions and corresponding findings of approval.
Planning staff and the board discussed whether the filings—submitted concurrently by the same owner—should have been processed as a single major subdivision. Amy Butler, County Engineer and Planning staff presenter, said the Chapter 23 study was completed but noted that three simultaneous filings raised a red flag that could indicate a major subdivision. Surveyor Marlowe Scherbel said he followed the County rules allowing a simple subdivision and urged public discussion; Uinta County planner Kent Williams said state statutes point toward a major subdivision process in the circumstances described.
Commissioner Hansen asked Planning staff to compile a list of aspects of the County Land Use Regulations that may need adjustment and to propose revisions. Chairman King and other commissioners agreed language may need to be modified, particularly when multiple filings come from the same owner. Butler said any formal change to regulations would require an estimated six-month process including public hearings.
The board also approved File 805 AP 22 (Willow Creek Ranch 6th Filing) and File 803 AP 22 (Alpine Village Subdivision No. 1 Plat 3 Amended) with standard findings of approval.
What happens next: Planning staff will prepare a review of the simple/major subdivision rule and recommend language changes for the Board’s consideration, with an anticipated multi-month rule-change timeline.
