After‑the‑fact floodplain permit approved for agricultural storage shed with conditions

Park County commissioners approved an after‑the‑fact floodplain development permit for an agricultural storage building on property in the Middle South Fork planning area after hearing staff analysis and applicant testimony. Planning staff (speaker 11) told the board the 21‑by‑50 foot structure sits about 105 feet west of the South Fork of the Shoshone River and likely does not meet the county elevation standard for non‑residential structures. Staff said the county’s regs allow agricultural structures to meet FEMA wet‑floodproofing standards as an alternative and recommended approval contingent on a variance and the installation of appropriately sized vents and required building permits.

Applicant Dr. McHugh (speaker 12) acknowledged he built the structure on the footprint of an older building and said he did not realize a permit was required. He told the board he will install the vents (staff and applicant discussed providing 400 square inches of total vent area appropriate to the enclosed footprint) and work with county staff on technical specifications. Commissioners closed public comment, moved to approve the floodplain permit with staff recommendations, and the motion carried. Staff outlined next steps: variance review through Planning and Zoning, followed by final board action on the variance and issuance of building permits if conditions are met.