Star Valley Ranch council adopts zoning update, advances budget and short-term rental ordinances and backs county livestreaming resolution

The Star Valley Ranch Town Council on Nov. 11 adopted a zoning code update on its third reading, approved a budget amendment on first reading to purchase snow‑plow gates, advanced a short‑term rental ordinance on first reading and unanimously passed a resolution urging Lincoln County to implement livestreaming of its public meetings.

Councilman Ellis presented Ordinance 2025‑07 (Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 154 Zoning) for its third and final reading, saying the update specifies additional uses in the commercial zone and clarifies conditional‑use permitting procedures. Councilman Ellis moved approval; Councilman Merrill seconded and the council voted unanimously. Mayor Rok said the ordinance becomes effective 10 days after approval.

Councilman Bitter presented Ordinance 2025‑08 (Appropriations FY25‑26 Amendment) on first reading to add $88,400 to the town budget to purchase two snow gates that attach to plows and reduce the berms left at driveways. Bitter moved the measure; Merrill seconded. Resident Boyd Siddoway asked where the additional revenue would come from; Mayor Rok identified the town road reserve fund as the source. The first reading passed on a unanimous vote.

Councilman Ellis also presented Ordinance 2025‑09 (Title XI, Chapter 113 Short‑Term Rentals) for first reading. Key changes in the draft narrow the definition of permitted short‑term rental units to the primary single‑family dwelling or a portion of it and prohibit use of detached garages or accessory buildings as separate short‑term rental units. The draft also clarifies what constitutes multiple bookings on overlapping dates and includes language the council said will be refined before second reading to aid enforcement in municipal court.

Several residents raised concerns during public comment about rental caps, permit transfer at property sale, garages converted to separate units, and exterior appearance problems tied to transient use. Councilman Ellis moved approval of the first reading; Councilman Toolson seconded. Councilman Merrill abstained; all other members voted aye, and the measure advanced. Mayor Rok said the council and the town attorney are monitoring recent legal developments in other municipalities and expect further revisions ahead of the next reading.

The council also unanimously adopted Resolution 25‑11‑11‑005, read by Councilman Merrill, recommending that the Lincoln County Commission livestream and record its meetings to improve transparency and access for northern county residents. Councilman Toolson seconded; the council said it will forward the resolution to the county and share it with neighboring towns.

The meeting approved a routine consent agenda (minutes, disbursements, and the county dispatch report) and concluded with brief announcements including plans for a Dec. 5 tree‑lighting and a town food drive. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.; Mayor Rok invited attendees to stay for Founders Day cake.