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Commission approves zone change to Urban Agriculture for 385 acres in Poison Spider area
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended approval of ZC26-02, a rezoning from RAM to Urban Agriculture covering about 385 acres owned by Dave Kger/Kriger and Michael Reid, to allow continued agricultural use and to permit flexibility for the owners to retain residences; staff recommended a do-pass and no public opposition was recorded.
The Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously May 12 to recommend approval of ZC26-02, a request by property owners Dave Kger (Kriger) and Michael Reid to rezone roughly 385 acres from Ranching, Agriculture and Mining (RAM) to Urban Agriculture (UA). The commission forwarded a "do-pass" recommendation and staff findings to the Board of County Commissioners.
Planning staff summarized the application as two contiguous parcels — approximately 350 acres and 35 acres — currently used for agriculture and residential purposes, with water supplied by Poison Spider water and wastewater handled by septic systems. Staff said Road & Bridge and Fire reviewed the application and raised no objections after access to the properties was confirmed, and county GIS and assessor mapping found no issues. One written letter of concern was received and was forwarded to the commission prior to the hearing.
Applicant Dave Kger explained the rezoning request is intended to provide flexibility as he nears semi-retirement and intends to sell to a buyer who will continue farming the land. "I've been there basically 65 years all my life," Kger said, adding that he wants to keep a residence on roughly 11–12 acres and ensure the remainder remains in agricultural use. He and co-owner Michael Reid told the commission they have no immediate plans to subdivide and said available water capacity would constrain large-scale residential subdivision.
No members of the public testified in opposition during the hearing. Commissioners discussed whether the rezoning would amount to impermissible spot zoning and concluded that, at 385 acres, it did not present the characteristics of a spot zone and would not fundamentally change agricultural use. One commissioner said the change could allow the owner to retain a house while preserving the larger farm for agriculture in a way that benefits the county.
A motion to approve ZC26-02 with staff findings was seconded and passed on a unanimous voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Natrona County Board of County Commissioners for final action.
Procedural note: any future subdivision or change in use beyond the rezoning (for example, new lots, roads or a site plan for development) would require separate plats, site-plan review and compliance with chapter-specific requirements including water and road access.
