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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.21.26 PZC Minutes Draft Page 1 of 5 TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES RESULTING IN PARTIAL RECORDING LINCOLN COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING NOTES Wednesday, January 21, 2026 6:00 P.M. Locations: Video Conference between the following locations: Lincoln County Courthouse, Commissioner Boardroom, 925 Sage Avenue 3rd Floor, Kemmerer, WY & Afton Planning & Development Office, Conference Room, 61 East 5th Avenue, Afton, WY I. CALL TO ORDER Karen Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. II. INTRODUCTION OF PZC MEMBERS Planning Commission Members: Karen Anderson, Chair Chad Jensen, Vice Chair (absent) Kevin Kilroy David Oates George Collins Lincoln County Staff: Austin Dunlap, Attorney Ken Kuluski, Planning Director Katie Gipson, Planner I Sydney Jasperson, Secretary III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Kevin Kilroy motioned to accept the agenda, George Collins seconded. Motion carried 4-0. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Karen Anderson expressed the minutes from the previous meeting were incomplete, missing a 40+ minute discussion that was not summarized. Ken Kuluski responded that it became irrelevant and void when the project was tabled. Kevin Kilroy motioned to accept the minutes. David Oates seconded. Motion passed 4-0. V. APPROVAL OF 2026 MEETING DATES No comments were made, Kevin Kilroy motioned to approve the meeting dates, George Collins seconded. Motion carried 4-0. VI. DEVELOPMENT REPORT Katie Gipson presented the approved permits for dates: one South Lincoln County Permit, two small wastewater permits, one zoning and development permit. The zoning and development permit was for TerraPower Nuclear Island. The two wastewater permits were special allowances by director Ken Kuluski considering the warm November to allow the two permits that had not been able to be scheduled before the no dig. VII. SKETCH PLANS A. Major Subdivision, Haven Heights subdivision, within T31N, R119W, Section 15 Presented by Planning Director Ken Kuluski, on behalf of Mikayla Hibbert. The proposed project would divide 110 acres into 22 lots of 4-5 acres each, a chapter 23 wastewater study will be done. Jamie DeCora (with Surveyor Scherbel’s Office) presented, explaining that there will be a loop road that accesses the county road and will be within the county specifications. Karen Anderson reviewed and asked about the easement reserved for Page 2 of 5 future use. Jamie DeCora responded with the space had been redesigned to make sure there were no dead ends or cul-de-sacs access to the subdivision will loop back out to the county road with two access points. Karen Anderson asked Amy Butler if she had the chance to review this project. Amy Butler responded with that she had not. B. Major Subdivision PUD, Etna Village Post Townhomes, within T35N, R119W, Section 10 Presented by Planning Director Ken Kuluski, a Major Subdivision PUD to subdivide 2.04 acres into 12 residential homes with an average of 5.8 per acre in a mixed-use zone located 2.65 miles outside of Star Valley Ranch. Lots to be serviced by centralized sewer that is installed underground, injection engineered and water sourced from Etna Water. David Oates questioned if the development would be linked to the Star Valley Ranch sewer system, Ken Kuluski replied that the development would be creating their own, then turned questions over to Jamie DeCora of Surveyor Scherbels office. Jamie DeCora explained further that the units will be town homes, and the new application will allow it to be divided for ownership so that each unit may be sold individually. There will be common use access for the driveways and open space. Karen Anderson asked if the pictured area was covered garages or parking spots, Jamie DeCora responded by passing the question to Brett Bennett of Alpine Architectural Studio, who responded that the picture is of covered garages. Explaining further, there will be three buildings, the two middle units on each unit will have a two-car garage for a three-bedroom unit, while the two end units will be one bedroom with one car garage. Karen Anderson asked about a 10x20 open space near building A, Brett Bennett responded with ‘Guest Parking’. There is further discussion about which buildings have guest parking and which do not, to conform to Lincoln County Standards to receive the permit they removed an entire building to provide the recommended open space for parking and to accommodate the sewer UIC permit. Karen Anderson questioned the drainage off the building, Brett Bennett responded that Sunrise Engineering had a well though out plan for the drainage that will be included in later assessments of the project. David Oates asked about the sewage storage, Brett Bennett responded by outlining that the septic tanks and leach fields will be between units A & B near the ‘play area’ west of building B and west of building A. Each building will have their own clean out, but two units will go to one septic and one leach field. Bennett expressed that the project is only 2.0 acres, but everything is placed well. Karen Anderson asked about the play area, inquiring if it is for children and if the guest parking has any division between the play area and parking in the event that someone forgets to put their car in park. Brett Bennett responded that the driving area is paved, so drivers can clearly see the separation of the parking and play area. Karen Anderson continued with a question regarding lighting, asking what the plans for lighting and signage are. Brett Bennett responded with the information that he submitted a monument sign with downlit shielded lighting, to conform to Lincoln County Standards. Karen Anderson asked about access points, how many exactly. Brett Bennett responded that there are two access points forming a ‘U’ shape. Karen Anderson confirmed that there are two signs, Brett Bennett replied that he will check on that. George Collins asked where the water will come from, Brett Bennett responded with the Etna Water District and some existing irrigation rights. George Collins asked if the roads have been approved, Brett Bennett responded with ‘yes’. VIII. ACTION ITEMS C. 605 PZ 25 Comprehensive Plan Update Appendix 6.A. Transportation Master Plan Presented by Katie Gipson, the Lincoln County Planning and Development Office proposed to replace appendix 6A of the Lincoln County Comprehensive Plan. The Lincoln County Transportation Master Plan has had four open houses and two special stakeholder meetings and included public input it has moved through the process and is now complete and ready to be adopted. The Transportation Master Plan was presented to the Lincoln County Board of county Commissioners during a workshop on September 16th, 2025, which was shown as the second attachment in the packet. Planning Staff recommend that the Planning and Zoning Commission make a motion to approve a 30-day notice to consider adoption of this project. Karen Anderson addressed Amy Butler, County Engineer, about any questions. Butler responded with none at this time, proceeding to 30-day notice. Karen Anderson asked why there is a 90-degree angle on Bitter Creek Road just two miles west of the post office, being changed to a curve. Amy Butler responded with the information that there have been several reported accidents and had been brought to the BCC due to safety. Motion to approve by David Oates seconded Page 3 of 5 by George Collins. Motion passed 4-0. D. 604 PZ 25 Land Use Regulations Definitions Table Withdrawn until next workshop March 18th at 5:00 pm to review the red line changes. E. 603 PZ 25 Land Use Regulations, Septic Testing & Documentation Presented by Planning Director Ken Kuluski, he announced that there will be a public engagement next month March 13th for South Lincoln County at the Commissioners Board room on the 3rd floor where the discussion will focus on the Land Use Regulation changes, the same type of meeting will be held March 25th for Noth Lincoln at the Afton Civics Center. On April 29th there will be a public meeting on the Fossil Quarries and permitting. There will also be a meeting for Jackson Development, but he did not know the date yet. Ken presented the proposed addition of safety, access and troubleshooting for the Planning and Development Office. Proposed leak tests, observation ports and require an ONB presented to the owners for every septic system going forward. He explained the different types of systems and what sort of requirements they would need. There has been no public feedback in email format, but a few calls. All of the proposed changes would be in alignment with national standards and state standards. Kevin Kilroy asked about item 3, wanting further clarification on each septic system and what the exact testing simulation would look like. He asked for further definition on item D, tanks exhibiting obvious defects and leaks. Specifically how high the tanks get filled, and what the requirement is. Kevin Kilroy asked further if DEQ or anyone would be flagging septic tanks installed in ground water. Ken Kuluski responded that there should not be any septic tank installed with ground water present. Kevin Kilroy asked who would absorb the cost of the septic tank testing, as it requires equipment and water to be brought in. Would it be the responsibility of the county, the owner or the contractor? Ken Kuluski responded that DEQ is responsible for stamping it as approved, or Sunrise Engineering. The Planning Office only locates them and adds them to the site maps. Karen Anderson asked what a distribution box was. Ken Kuluski explained that it is for when a system has multiple lines, it splits the waste so that it is balanced in the leach field and does not clog. David Oates asked about the trench chambers, if they run from the high side, or the back low side. Ken Kuluski responded that usually people chose the low side, but either is fine. Corey Jekins, the installer, asked if the leach fields can be ten feet away from the tanks on a dry condition, what is the purpose of having the tanks leak proof? Its keeping the solids contained. So if it’s filled with water and there is a minor leak will that be a fail? – we lost connection for almost 6 minutes then reconnected on the phone- Kevin Kilroy asked if there is a large issue with septic tanks in Lincoln County. Ken Kuluski responded with the information that he is using the national average of faulty systems and improper installation. Kevin Kilroy asked if there was a strong enough need in Lincoln County, as the tests will require water to be brought in and construction crews will have to stand by while the test concludes. His main concern being affordability for residents. There was question about what happened in Bedford, to which the question was answered that a deceased animal was found to have contaminated the water. Derk Izatt representing Northwest Homes asked about recent issues or failures. Ken Kuluski responded that there were only two in the county that needed to be redone due to installation failures. Dierk asked specifically what failed. Ken Kuluski responded with a failed setback and a failed installation. Corey Jenkins asked where the extra inspections fall for equipment and if there will be adequate covers for manholes. Karen Anderson asked how the leak testing would be conducted. Ken Kuluski responded that after the Septic Installer Conference in 2025 the County paid a specialist to come out and teach Afton about installing septic systems in reference to the Salt River Study. Formally Withdrawn until an industry specialist can be consulted. F. 106 CUP 25 Last Resort Presented by Planning Director Ken Kuluski, a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant with liquor service, retail and detached motel complex with 5 units. Structures will include a small retail store, restaurant and detached motel with combined total of 2.56 acres in a mixed zone. Ken expressed that there will be an allowance for food trucks then turned the conversation over to Brett Bennett. The plan is to take the current buildings and improve them to make them useable for a motel. The owners were present and requested approval for the temporary food truck license and the liquor license from Lincoln County. The current structures and proposed Page 4 of 5 new buildings will produce under two thousand septic waste a day, while also accounting for the northern residence. Current structures will use existing septic and leach fields, and all laundry services will be taken off site to not impact the water use. They also requested new septic for the new buildings then commented that there will be highway access for a drive thru experience. Karen Anderson asked if there would be a distillery, Brett Bennett responded that there will be an onsite distillery for onsite sale and distribution. Karen Anderson asked if the motel units would be long-term or short-term use. Brett Bennett replied that it is for motel use, projected to be short-term. Karen Anderson asked about lighting on the motel and signage, to which Brett Bennett responded that the lighting and signage would meet Lincoln County Standards and will not project glare to traffic or airways. Motion to approve by Kevin Kilroy, seconded by David Oates. Motion carries 3-0 moves to BCC February 4th. IX. OTHER PLANNING MATTERS Ken Kuluski presented an upcoming project with 7 CUP’s that included a rezone and a proposed workshop prior to the next meeting at 6:00 pm, pushing the meeting back to 7:00 pm. George Collins requested that the workshop be earlier to keep the PZC meeting at 6:00 pm. All PZC members agreed. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn from David Oates, seconded by Kevin Kilroy. Motion passed 4-0. Page 5 of 5 The minutes from January 21, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting were approved on the _____ day of _________________, 2026. _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Chair Dated Director Dated