Jerome County to review disputed interpretation of guest-house rules after resident appeal

County planning staff and a property owner asked the Jerome County Board of Commissioners to resolve a dispute over whether a "guest house" constitutes a dwelling under county zoning rules.

Kacie Buhler, a staff member working with County Planning & Zoning, told commissioners her office interprets current ordinances to prohibit the use at issue; Matt Hargrave, the property owner, contends he should be allowed to build a guest house on his property. "Kacie said it does not because the new law is for within city limits, and the property in question is in the county," Buhler said when explaining that a recent state law governing guest houses applies only to city jurisdictions.

Buhler told the board that clarifying the county definition would require formal action by the Planning & Zoning board, subsequent approval by the commissioners and public hearings. Commissioners discussed prior, fact-specific exceptions in other cases and emphasized that factors such as parcel zoning and location drive outcomes.

Chairman Ben Crouch said he wants to consult the county's legal counsel before taking action to ensure a balance between ordinance enforcement and property rights; Commissioners Howell and Watkins agreed. The board did not adopt any ordinance or directive at the meeting and will return to the issue after legal review and any required public notice.