Planning Commission approves wild-camping permit for Deer Springs Ranch property

The Kane County Planning Commission voted July 8 to approve a Conditional Use Permit that allows four existing wild-camping pads on a 19.95-acre parcel in Deer Springs Ranch to be offered to the public.

Applicant Mark Wery sought permission to convert four family-used, graded campsites to limited public use. Land use staff warned that opening the sites to the public triggers current campground standards, including verification of septic legality, posting of quiet hours and sanitation protocols. Shannon McBride, Land Use Administrator, told the commission that garbage service is not available in the area and that the operation would require "pack-it-out" signage and other mitigation measures overseen by the county engineer.

Commissioners discussed emergency access — staff recorded the existing access road at roughly 10 feet wide while Wildland-Urban Interface standards call for a minimum 20-foot width — and concerns about steep slopes and visitor impacts. Matt Cox moved to approve the permit provided the engineer signs off on required mitigation; he amended his motion to remove a required fence from the mitigation conditions. Julie Millard and Doug Heaton seconded the motion. The motion passed 6–1, with Commissioner Larry Crutchfield voting no.

The permit approval requires the applicant to implement the engineer-approved mitigation measures and to verify legal septic service before opening the sites for public use. The county will retain authority to enforce health and safety conditions tied to the permit; the minutes note the Commission's emphasis on addressing any future nuisance or safety issues through standard enforcement channels.