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Star Valley Ranch council considers package of town-code updates, including possible cap on short‑term rentals
Summary
At an Aug. 13 work session, the Star Valley Ranch Town Council discussed a set of proposed ordinance updates — contractor registration, solar‑panel siting, driveway and fence rules, minimum-home sizes and whether to cap short‑term rentals — and assigned staff to draft changes ahead of an October deadline.
At a work session on Aug. 13, the Star Valley Ranch Town Council discussed a broad package of proposed town‑code updates and assigned staff and council members to draft language for review before an October deadline.
Building Official Scott Cazier will review the contractor‑registration ordinance to determine enforceability and whether the town should convert it to a business license or keep them separate, Council members said. Mayor Buyers said she will review the town code and propose changes related to solar panels and windmills; councilors noted the State statute provides baseline regulation but leaves placement and siting to local control.
Councilman Rok said he will draft revisions for rules on temporary fences and open excavations; Mayor Buyers will work with Public Works on driveway standards. The council also discussed permit‑extension policies and temporary certificates of occupancy, which are slated for first reading at the regular council meeting.
Councilman Merrill agreed to draft proposed minimum square‑footage standards; the council generally supported lowering the town minimum from the prior 1,200 square feet to match the association’s 900‑square‑foot standard. Building Official Cazier will also investigate allowing above‑garage accessory apartments.
Members discussed whether the town should cap short‑term rentals (STRs) by plat to encourage more permanent housing. Council members expressed concern about whether a cap would withstand legal challenges and could infringe on property rights; Councilman Rok will prepare proposed language for future consideration.
Councilman Denney will review the existing ordinance governing election‑sign placement and removal and propose clarifying changes if needed. Councilman Merrill will investigate the town’s authority to deny road access for new subdivisions; the code currently includes a $1,000 per‑dwelling impact fee.
The council did not adopt any ordinances at the work session. Council members set a procedural deadline that any proposed ordinance changes be completed before October so those items are not introduced during the January meeting of the incoming council.
