Planning commission recommends allowing non‑ATV outfitters as permitted use in light‑industrial zone

The Grand County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the County Commission amend the Grand County Land Use Code to permit outfitters, guide services and facilities (non‑ATV) as a permitted use in the light industrial zone.

The request was made by Michael “Mick” Valentine, who told the commission he operates an e‑bike business and owns 6.8 acres at 825 West King Creek Boulevard. “I’ve been operating an e‑bike company called e‑bike Moab,” Mick Valentine said while introducing his request and describing the property’s capacity for parking and outfitting operations.

Planning staff recommended approval. Andrew, identified in the record as county planning staff, told commissioners that staff finds the request “consistent with other permitted uses in the light industrial zone” and noted the parcel is one of the county’s existing light‑industrial properties in Spanish Valley.

Commissioners debated whether to treat the use as a permitted use or require conditional‑use review, and several members urged caution about piecemeal changes to the land‑use code. “My concern is manipulating our land‑use code for one property,” one commissioner said, urging the board to complete a comprehensive code update rather than repeated small amendments. Other commissioners argued that the applicant had met the county’s current requirements and that further delay would unnecessarily impede a local business.

A motion to approve the amendment as a permitted use was made and seconded; the commission recorded the vote as five in favor and two opposed, and the motion passed. Commissioners asked staff to prepare any outstanding administrative updates (for example, an updated title report) before the item goes to the County Commission for final action.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Grand County Commission, which must consider the ordinance change in its own hearings and vote.