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Star Valley Ranch adopts short‑term rental and roof rules; council advances septic standards and approves plat amendment
Summary
The council adopted a revised short‑term rental ordinance and a roof‑overhang code, advanced a first reading requiring advanced septic treatment for new/replacement systems, and approved a two‑lot plat amendment; residents and board members raised groundwater and annexation concerns.
The Star Valley Ranch Town Council on April 14 adopted a short‑term rental ordinance with narrow grandfathering provisions and approved updates to building code roof‑overhang allowances, while advancing a first reading of a septic‑system ordinance intended to strengthen groundwater protections.
The short‑term rental ordinance (Ordinance 2025‑09) passed on its third reading after Councilman Merrill presented language that grandfathered accessory‑structure STRs only if they were lawfully in existence and actively permitted before the ordinance’s effective date, non‑transferable on sale, not expandable, and forfeited after 12 consecutive months of discontinuation. Merrill moved approval; Councilman Ellis seconded and the measure passed unanimously.
Councilman Ellis presented and the council approved Ordinance 2026‑03 (Title XV, Chapter 154) on its third reading to correct maximum roof overhang allowances. The vote was unanimous.
At first reading, Councilman Toolson introduced Ordinance 2026‑04 to revise sewer and septic definitions and require advanced septic treatment systems that meet NSF Standard 40 for all new homes and replacement systems in single‑family residential zones. Mayor Rok said the town will take over septic inspections from the county and require enhanced systems for new construction and replacements. Resident Lee Hansen asked whether denitrification would be required; Water Board member Boyd Siddoway said denitrification components were needed to protect groundwater. The council moved the ordinance forward on first reading (moved by Councilman Toolson; seconded by Councilman Ellis; vote recorded as all ayes).
During the public hearing portion of the meeting, Town Clerk Jamie Herd presented a plat amendment for Plat 15 Lots 20 and 21 at 502 Snow Forest Drive submitted by Benjamin and Jill Sweet. No objections were filed during the required notice period, the planning commission recommended approval, and the council approved the lot combination unanimously.
Why it matters: The code changes will affect property owners' building plans, short‑term rental operations, and septic upgrades; the septic ordinance in particular signals the town’s intent to exercise local oversight of onsite wastewater systems, with more detailed denitrification requirements to be explored.
The council did not take final action on the septic ordinance beyond first reading; next steps will include staff research and potential future readings.
