Star Valley Ranch council approves variance to document town permitting error

The Star Valley Ranch council on Dec. 23 voted to approve a variance that formally documents a town permitting error that allowed a house to be permitted at 39 feet 8 inches, above the town—s 35-foot ordinance.

Mayor opened the special meeting by explaining the council—s intent to address two variances for Plat 19 Lot 21959 on Sunrise Mountain Place. "The 1st variance ... was recommended that the town consider a variance basically for the mistake that we made in permitting the property at a height of 39 feet 8 inches," the mayor said. Council members debated the correct arithmetic behind the overage and whether the variance should be issued by the town or requested by the property owner.

During public comment several residents urged the council not to reward mistakes. One resident said the structure "is 45 feet" and warned it was a fire risk, adding, "We don't need another town hall. We don't need another tabernacle. We need a home." Another citizen-submitted letter read into the record argued the builder or homeowner should apply for an exception rather than the town proposing one, saying that when "a town official propose[s] the request for exception...it lends to the impression, even if not true, that we favor the side that threatens litigation."

After discussion the council took a roll-call vote; the motion to approve the variance documenting the town-permitted height carried. The mayor announced the result and moved to the second item on the agenda.