HomeMy WebLinkAbout405 SS 25 Onyx Escape BCC staff report 12-3-25405 SS 25
BCC
APPLICANT: Garrett Chadwick
PROJECT NAME: Onyx Escape, A Subdivision
COMMUNITY PLAN AREA: Thayne ZONING: Rural REPRESENTATIVE: Surveyor Scherbel, Ltd. PLANNER: Ken Kuluski
PARCEL ID: 3418-09-3-00-017
PROPOSAL: A Simple Subdivision application to subdivide 5 +/- acres into 1 residential lot with an average lot size of 5 +/- acres in the Rural Zone. The lot will have driveway access from a TBD private road. The lot will be served by individual wells and individual septic systems meeting current State and
Lincoln County standards.
LOCATION: Located 1 mile southeast of Town of Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming T34N, R118W, Section 9.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Subdivision Plat
2.Vicinity Map3. Agency Correspondence
PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Planning Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners APPROVE File # 405 SS 25 Onyx Escape, A Subdivision, a Simple Subdivision, with:
●Findings of Approval A. thru C.
●Condition of Approval 1-2.
●A Resolution of Approval
LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STAFF REPORT Simple Subdivision Application HEARING TIME AND DATE: 10:00 a.m. December 3, 2025 HEARING LOCATIONS: Lincoln County Courthouse, Commissioner Boardroom 3rd Floor, 925 Sage Ave., Kemmerer, Wyoming & Via Video Conference Afton Branch Office Building
Conference Room, 421 Jefferson St., Afton, Wyoming
FILE # 405 SS 25 Tabled 11/5/25
405 SS 25
BCC
FINDING OF APPROVAL:
1) The proposed subdivision is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Lincoln County Comprehensive Plan. 2) The proposed subdivision is consistent with the standards and procedures of the Lincoln County Land
Use Regulations.
3) The proposed subdivision is consistent with the provisions W.S. 18-5-301 through W.S. 18-5-315. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 1. The following shall be added to the plat:
a. A private road name must be approved by Lincoln County prior to filing. b. All dwellings shall have a fire suppression system approved by a Wyoming Licensed Engineer prior to occupancy. c. No future subdivision of lots is allowed without an approved subdivision road being
constructed.
2. The erosion mitigation plan must be implemented/constructed prior to occupancy.
AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE:
Lincoln County Weed & Pest Control District: An inspection of the proposal for Garrett Chadwick Simple Subdivision, -within Section 9, T34N R118W, Lincoln County, Wyoming. At the time of inspection Musk Thistle was present. These weeds are on the Wyoming State Noxious Weed list as well as the Lincoln
County Noxious Weed list.
Star Valley Conservation District: Due to large variations between groundwater levels in this section, SVCD recommends soil cuts to determine groundwater levels. If ground water is high, we recommend an enhanced septic system and no basements. We recommend that soil cuts be taken in the spring/early
summer when groundwater is highest. Lincoln County Fire Warden: At 15 percent grade the only fire truck getting up that road is a pickup with a couple of hundred gallons of water, if the road isn't too slick at the time. Fire services will be all but nonexistent for this area.
Star Valley Ranch
Thayne 21
18
08
04
2220
07
06
17
03
09
19
16
10
15
05
23
11
14
02
24
12
01
13
34N
119W 34N 118W
FOREST
SERVICE
CHADWICK,
GARRETT
CHADWICK, KIM
R TRUSTEE CHADWICK, KIMR TRUSTEE
KEANE, ANTHONY
J & LAURAB TRUSTEES
Maxar, Microsoft
Simple Subdivision Application
Roads
Road_Type
US Highways
WY Highways
Projects
Township & Range
Sections
Municipalities
Public Noticing
File No 405 SS 25
Onyx Escape, A Subdivision
Garrett Chadwick
Prepared using available data by Katie Gipson on 15 October 2025. Map is for informational purposes only and in no way represents an official survey of land.
August 21, 2025
Lincoln County Office of Planning and Development P. O. Box 468 Kemmerer, WY 83101
STAR VALLEY CONSERVATION DISTRICT Board of Supervisors has reviewed the proposed Lost Creek Hollow, simple subdivision by Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming. Due to large variations between groundwater levels in this section, SVCD recommends soil cuts
to determine groundwater levels. If ground water is high, we recommend an enhanced septic
system and no basements. We recommend that soil cuts be taken in the spring/early summer when groundwater is highest. If soil cuts are done at other times know that static water level can fluctuate according to the amount of high-water runoff from year to year.
This report satisfies the Conservation District Review as required by Wyoming State Statute 18-5-306. No other use is intended or implied. If there is any more information we can provide for you, please let us know.
Yours truly,
STAR VALLEY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Rollin Gardner Chairman
Subdivision Review Lost Creek Hollow Simple Subdivision Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming
August 21, 2025 Location The Lost Creek Hollow- simple subdivision is in section 9 T34N R118W, by Star Valley Ranch,
Wyoming. The proposed subdivision is +/- 5 acres and will be divided into 1 lot.
Water Star Valley Conservation District (SVCD) personnel used the State Engineers Water Rights Data Base to obtain groundwater information for this property. Well logs from wells in the vicinity
indicated the static water level is between 45 and 348 feet below ground surface.
Salt River The Salt River is listed on Table C (Water Bodies with Water Quality Threats) of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) 2020 Section 303(d) List. The Salt River does
not support the designated use for contact recreation use due to elevated levels of fecal coliform
bacteria.
In response to this listing, the Star Valley Conservation District (SVCD) initiated watershed-planning activities for the Salt River Watershed in 2003. The Salt River Watershed Plan has been completed, was formally submitted to WDEQ and was accepted and signed by WDEQ in July
2005. SVCD completed a TMDL for the Salt River in 2016 which was submitted to WDEQ.
SVCD continues to monitor the watershed. We have collaborated with landowners to implement fencing and off stream watering for livestock. We also provide a cost share to homeowners to pump septic systems after attending our septic workshops.
The Salt River Watershed Plan identifies rural subdivisions as adversely affecting water quality in
the Salt River Watershed. Storm water run-off from subdivisions should be managed using best
management practices to ensure that pollutants such as storm water runoff, animal wastes, sediment, and fertilizers do not reach the irrigation ditches or other surface waters in the area. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WYDEQ) requires all construction sites
that disturb 1 acre or more to have a construction NPDES permit. The areas do not have to be contiguous. The permit requires construction site operators to implement appropriate erosion and sediment control best management practices, control waste such as discarded building materials, concrete truck wash-out, chemicals, litter, and sanitary wastes.
Operators of construction activities must develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that describes the measures to be implemented at the construction site that will eliminate or minimize pollutants from the project from reaching surface waters.
The terms and conditions of the permit must be implemented until the land disturbed by
construction activities has been ‘finally stabilized.’ Finally stabilized is defined as “all soil
disturbing activities at the site have been completed, and a uniform perennial vegetative cover with a density of 70% of the native background vegetative cover for the area has been established on all disturbed unpaved areas and areas not covered by permanent structures”.
If construction disturbs 5 or more acres a stormwater permit from WYDEQ is required.
For more information regarding the NPDES requirements please contact Anita Rehner, WYDEQ Storm Water Program Coordinator at 307-777-5622 or (anita.rehner@wyo.gov).
Soils
The following soils information provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey of Star Valley Area, Wyoming – Idaho. This information does not eliminate the need for onsite investigation of the soils or for testing and analysis of these soils by a Wyoming Licensed Engineer experienced in the design and construction of engineering work.
The proposed subdivision is comprised of 1 soil type, identified as Hobacker-Osmund gravelly loams (HgD) Limitations: ‘not limited’ indicates that the soil has features that are favorable for the specified
use, good performance and very low maintenance can be expected. ‘Somewhat limited’
indicates that the soil has features that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special planning, design, and installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected. Soils with ‘very limited’ designations indicate that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The
limitations generally cannot be overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or
expensive installation procedures, poor performance and high maintenance can be expected. Dwelling with and without basements: The degree of limitations for dwellings with and without basements in areas of Hobacker-Osmund gravelly loams (HgD) is rated as Somewhat Limited due
to slope
Soil cuts were not conducted as part of this review. Care should be taken not to locate buildings in the intermittent drainage or any drainage channel where overland flooding could occur during early spring snowmelt or heavy thunderstorms. Sewage Disposal: The degree of limitations for septic tank absorption fields for areas containing Hobacker-Osmund gravelly loams (HgD) is Very limited due to seepage in bottom layer and slope. Roads and streets: The degree of limitations for roads and streets (paved or unpaved) for areas containing Hobacker-Osmund gravelly loams (HgD) is Somewhat Limited due to frost action and
slope. Shallow excavations: The degree of limitations for shallow excavations for areas containing the Hobacker-Osmund gravelly loams (HgD) is Somewhat Limited due to slope and unstable excavation walls.
Erosion Hazard: The potential of erosion hazard for unsurfaced roads and trails and construction sites in areas containing Hobacker-Osmund gravelly loams (HgD) is rated as Moderate due to slope/erodibility.
To avoid potential erosion or sedimentation problems all disturbed areas during subdivision construction, especially road banks, need to be mulched and seeded back to adapted
grass/legumes and tress/shrubs as soon as possible. Topsoil should be stockpiled and saved
during construction, so adequate seedbeds can be prepared in the disturbed areas. Appropriate erosion and sediment control best management practices should be installed and maintained for the duration of the project.
Noxious Weeds
Lincoln County Weed and Pest report is included separate from this report. Please note and follow the recommendations therein. Lincoln County Weed & Pest furnishes herbicides for noxious weed control at a discount to
landowners. Check with Weed and Pest to see if you qualify. They also offer ATV sprayers and
25-gallon pickup sprayers for rent. All visits to the property as well as any consultations are at no charge. To contact Lincoln County Weed and Pest call 307-885-9333 (WEED). Small Acreage Grazing/Livestock Management Please be aware, grazing animals on small acreages can have a significant impact on the condition of soil, water, plants, and other natural resources.
Care should be taken to ensure agricultural activities such as grazing, corrals, pastures, feedlots,
animal waste storage or spreading does not take place within any wellhead protection zone. Best management practices should be implemented on these parcels to ensure animal wastes does not reach springs or Salt River during times of high water, snow melt, or storm run-off.
This can be done by using berms, filters strips, grassed swales and catch ponds. The SVCD
recommends the individual lot owners obtain a site-specific grazing and waste management conservation plan from the local Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Afton. The plans are provided free of charge. For mor information, please contact Janessa Julson, 307-886-9001 ext. 3, or email at janessa.julson@usda.gov.
Wildfire and Landscaping: Wildfire is possible in this area. Well planned landscaping can reduce wildfire danger. The home should have a defensible space. SVCD recommends
following the guidelines in the University of Wyoming Barnyards and Backyards Living with
Wildfire in Wyoming publication. http://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/resources/wildfire2013/wildfire_web.pdf
Wildlife Friendly Fencing Fences cause the direct mortality of wildlife through entanglement and prohibition of movement
to seasonal ranges. Fences constructed or currently in existence on the property should be designed to allow free and unrestricted movement of wildlife. Wyoming Game and Fish Department recommends fences be built to minimally restrict livestock and horses, while allowing free movement of wildlife (e.g. a smooth bottom wire 16-18 inches above ground, a 39- inch maximum height and at least 12 inches between the top two wires). Wildlife can benefit
from any area of open space. For more information please see Fencing Guidelines for Wildlife Wyoming Game & Fish Habitat Extension Bulletin No. 53 at the Wyoming Game and Fish website http://gf.state.wy.us/downloads/pdf/habitat/Bulletin%20No.%2053.pdf.
Homeowners should protect ornamental shrubs used for landscaping and future homeowners
should know that, by state statute, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is not liable for
damage caused to ornamental plants by wildlife.
The potential exists for wildlife conflicts, especially between wildlife and free-ranging domestic
pets. The landowner should take precautions to minimize harassment of wildlife by dogs and cats. It is illegal to allow pets to chase or kill wildlife. Likewise, rural landowners should recognize that black bears, mountain lions, and other carnivores may come near their dwellings and may pose a threat to pets allowed to range freely.
Sensitive Species and Historical Resources Sensitive, threatened, or endangered species were not evaluated as part of this review.
STAR VALLEY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Kresta Hedges
District Manager
August 28, 2024
Kay Lynn Nield,
An inspection of the proposed, Garrett Chadwick – Simple Subdivision – within
the NE1/4SW1/4 of Section 9, T34N R118W, Lincoln County, Wyoming . The
purpose of this inspection was to see if there are any of the noxious weeds as to W.S.
11-5-102 (a) (xi) . At the time of inspection, Musk Thistle was present. These weeds
are on the Wyoming State Noxious Weed list as well as the Lincoln County Noxious
Weed List. These plants have proven to be very invasive and pernicious. According to
Wyoming Statute it is illegal to allow any state or county noxious weed to propagate
freely. The subdivision representative will need to contact Lincoln County Weed and
Pest and explain their weed control strategy or work with us to devise one.
Lincoln County Weed and Pest furnishes herbicides for noxious weed control at a
reduced cost share discount to the landowner. We also offer ATV sprayers and
25-gallon pickup sprayers for rent.
Please know that all visits to the above property as well as any consultations are at no
charge, so feel free to call or stop by the office any time if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Bryan Nichols Travis Osmond
Assistant Supervisor Supervisor
Lincoln County Weed and Pest District Lincoln County Weed and Pest District
Ken Kuluski <ken.kuluski@lincolncountywy.gov>
Lost Creek Hollow
firewarden <firewarden@lincolncountywy.gov>Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 12:16 PM
To: Ken Kuluski <ken.kuluski@lincolncountywy.gov>
Ken
After a quick review and your comments I can say that from a fire perspective there are certainly serious concerns. At 15
percent grade the only fire truck getting up that road is a pickup with a couple of hundred gallons of water, if the road isn't
too slick at the time. Fire services will be all but non existent for this area.
What about snow removal? Is there any process to handle the build up of snow in the winter?
Home owners need to consider the fact that an insurance company may not be willing to insure a home in this type of
situation too. We are seeing this all over the west right now.
Consideration should be made to require home Sprinkler systems to help alleviate the fire suppression issues, but that's
not a complete fix either.
There are definitely some serious concerns for public safety with this application.
Kelly Hoffman
Lincoln County Fire Warden
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