Neighbors object to Van Horns’ plan to replat Allendale Addition; commission tables decision

At its May 12 meeting, the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission heard a request from M&M Equipment Rental owners Mark and Missy Van Horn to vacate and replat sections of the Allendale Addition into four lots totaling 10.65 acres, with potential residential and commercial uses including a storage-unit facility. After an extended public hearing in which multiple neighbors opposed the proposal, the commission voted to table the application until its June 9 meeting for further staff research.

During the staff presentation, Development Director Sabrina Kemper described the parcel being replatted (parcel numbers 33792222200100, 33792222300100, 33792222400100) and noted the applicants’ stated plan to reduce what the plat currently designates for roughly 50 lots down to four lots. County Attorney Ashley Smith advised the commission the County lacks authority to vacate private platted roads and that private easements would be required for owners to extend utilities. Smith also told the commission the City of Casper had declined annexation interest and that, because the project began before a zoning amendment, storage-unit use for this site is grandfathered in despite being later removed from permitted uses.

Neighbors raised multiple concerns during the public comment period. “DEQ did not properly assess the drainage of the property,” Kyle Sowell said, citing runoff and flood risk. Multiple speakers — including Aldon Young and Daniel Kerns — expressed worries about increased traffic, changes to neighborhood character, light pollution and potential crime associated with storage-unit development. Bernie Studer and others said the area’s clay soils worsen spring drainage and could complicate development. Connie McCoy asked whether unbuilt platted roads could be constructed in the future after some property owners have fenced across them; staff confirmed the roads are private and could be built, and encouraged residents to meet with planning staff to resolve lot-line issues.

The applicants and their surveyor offered rebuttals. Mark Van Horn said prospective tenants would be screened and that the site would have security. “The drainage from our property has not changed since we started flattening our lot,” he said. Surveyor Bill Fehringer confirmed that unbuilt platted roads often appear on plats countywide and are not unique to this neighborhood. Fehringer said drainage and lighting details would be reviewed under future permitting.

Following the public hearing, Commissioner Chad McNutt moved to table MS26-01 to allow staff to do additional research — including a review of a nearby precedent where a property to the north was replatted — and to return the case on June 9. Commissioner Ken White seconded. The commission recorded a 3–0 vote to table MS26-01.

No formal permit or building approvals were granted at the meeting; staff told the commission drainage, lighting and other technical issues would be studied during any permit review. The case remains open and will be revisited at the commission’s June 9 meeting.