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Planning Commission backs Agricultural Heritage Zone for 573.48 acres in Thatcher
Summary
The commission unanimously forwarded a recommendation to zone 573.48 acres in Thatcher to the Agricultural Heritage Zone (AHZ) and encouraged outreach on Agriculture Protection Areas; the applicant said the designation would protect family farming for future generations.
On Aug. 14 the Box Elder County Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the County Commission for application Z25‑010, requesting that four parcels totaling 573.48 acres in the unincorporated Thatcher area be zoned to the Agricultural Heritage Zone (AHZ).
Staff read the statutory standards for zoning‑map amendments — including consistency with the county general plan and harmony with existing development — and noted the subject parcels are largely used for agriculture. Applicant Lee Summers told the commission he did not originally intend to rezone but, after staff explained the AHZ, he supported it to help preserve family farming: "I liked the idea and wishes the whole county was agriculturally minded," Summers said, adding he and his ancestors farmed the land.
Commission discussion emphasized the AHZ's role in supporting agricultural stewardship and the public hearing closed without opposition. Commissioner Bonnie Robinson moved to forward a recommendation of approval with conditions, Commissioner Brandon East seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Conditions require compliance with relevant sections of the Box Elder County Land Use Management & Development Code and applicable laws before any future project is approved.
The item will be referred to the County Commission for final action with the staff findings and recommended conditions included in the referral packet.
