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Planning commission recommends approval of outfitter tour-operator permit at 250 North Cache Street
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of conditional use permit P25-163 for an outfitter/tour-operator use at 250 North Cache Street, with three staff conditions covering lighting, on-site parking, and signage; the item will go to the town council in about a month.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 1 to recommend approval of conditional use permit P25-163, clearing the way for an outfitter and tour-operator to base administrative operations at 250 North Cache Street.
Staff recommended approval with conditions, telling commissioners the permit applies to roughly 800 square feet of office space at the southern parcel of the larger Kudar Motel property and that the operator would stage and exchange company vehicles on site. A staff member said, "Our recommendation from staff this evening is approval with conditions, for tour operator use at the property address 250 North Cache Street, and we have 3 conditions of approval." The commission moved and seconded the recommendation and approved it by voice vote.
Under the three staff conditions, the applicant must replace nonconforming exterior lighting with dark-sky-compliant fixtures; confine parking and vehicle exchange for the outfitter’s fleet to 250 North Cache Street immediately east of the office structure (and not park vehicles on other Kudar properties); and post signage reserving those spaces for the operator. Staff noted it received no public comment on the application during the notice period.
Applicant Brian McCooey, representing Yellowstone day stores, described operations for the commission: "We run Yellowstone and Grand Teton tours," he said, adding the company operates a six-vehicle fleet with most tours departing early and returning in the evening. Staff told the commission the applicant established a vehicle parking calculation of six vehicles based on fleet size, and that the town’s review practice permits an independent calculation for tour-operator uses.
Commissioners asked about driveway access, capacity limits and enforcement. Commissioner Megan asked whether changes in operations would require a return to the commission; staff said substantial growth or parking outside the approved area would trigger a revisit. On enforcement, staff said complaints typically initiate follow-up and that their approach is to start with outreach before pursuing formal remedies.
The commission's recommendation will be scheduled for the town council agenda in about 30 days, according to staff. The council will make the final decision on issuance of the CUP.
