Iron County Commission approves three zoning-map amendments, including two commercial conversions and new R-1 designation

The Iron County Commission unanimously approved three separate amendments to the county zoning map at its June 8 special meeting in Parowan.

The commission amended Ordinance 2026‑14 to rezone approximately 20.27 acres at 4179 W. Midvalley Road from Rural Agriculture 20-acre (RA‑20) to Residential 1‑acre (R‑1), rather than the applicant’s requested R‑5. County Planner Brett Hamilton told commissioners that the Planning Commission had recommended denial of an R‑5 rezoning because the parcel did not meet the county’s rezone criteria—specifically it lacked 40 contiguous acres and was not adjacent to other R‑5 property. Applicant Stacy Cook told the commission she “did not understand the reason for the denial” and said the property has personal plans to sell some acreage to her children. Commissioner Paul Cozzens moved to approve rezoning to R‑1 with the understanding no more than four lots would be allowed; Commissioner Michael Bleak seconded the motion. The motion passed with Commissioners Bleak, Cozzens and Chair Kenneth Robinson voting aye.

Two commercial rezonings were also approved. Ordinance 2026‑15 rezones roughly 1 acre north of 800 South along Highway 18 in Beryl (APN E‑1406‑168) from Residential 2‑acre (R‑2) back to Commercial (C) to accommodate a proposed personal storage facility. Planner Brett Hamilton said the parcel was formerly zoned commercial and the Planning Commission recommended approval; no public comment was offered. Commissioner Michael Bleak moved to approve the ordinance and Commissioner Paul Cozzens seconded; the vote was unanimous.

Ordinance 2026‑16 rezones approximately 20 acres near the Hamilton Fort interchange (APN E‑259‑8) from RA‑20 to Commercial. Applicant Cody Roberts acknowledged the commission’s questions about road improvements to 3600 South, which staff said could be chip‑sealed or paved as a condition tied to development. The Planning Commission recommended approval and the board approved the ordinance by unanimous vote following a motion by Commissioner Paul Cozzens and second by Commissioner Michael Bleak.

All three ordinances state they become effective upon required publication under Utah Code §17‑53‑208. Commissioners and planning staff emphasized that the R‑1 approval for the Midvalley parcel includes a limit on lot splits consistent with septic density concerns and available water; the commercial approvals were conditioned in discussion on appropriate road improvements and standard development conditions from the planning review process.

The three zoning votes complete the formal county-level approvals for these parcels; any subsequent subdivision, utility hookups or site improvements will follow county permitting and applicable developer requirements.