Kane County Commission approves zone changes, hears land use update

The Kane County Commission met Feb­ruary 24 with higher-than-average atten­dance and one public comment. A resident questioned the coun­ty’s policy allowing businesses in unincor­porated areas to rely on a Kanab City license rather than obtain­ing a separate county license.

Commissioners considered two zone change applications. The first involved Oak Ridge Estates, where applicants sought to rezone property from Agricultural to Ru­ral-10 for a proposed low-density, year-round cabin commu­nity. The applicant said four families are involved and future plans could include a small restaurant and convenience store. The Planning and Zon­ing Commission rec­ommended approval unanimously.

Commissioner Brown raised con­cerns about density, noting that while 42 cabins are not cur­rently planned, the zoning would allow that number. “When we do a zone change, we have to consider what could happen, not just what you’ve said will happen,” Brown said. After discussion about fire safety and road access, the com­mission approved the rezone unanimously.

The second rezone, from Agricultural to Rural-5, would allow development of eques­trian lots off Eight Mile Gap. A representative for Iron Rock said lots may exceed the five-acre minimum and that public access into Arizona would be preserved. The com­mission approved the request with stipula­tions to ensure contin­ued access. Commis­sioner Kubeja voted no, citing concerns about long-term road maintenance costs.

Commissioners also approved updates to business license regulations related to alcohol permits. County Attorney Jeff Stott said the changes align county code with state law, clarify back­ground check require­ments and simplify fee language.

Land Use Authority Shannon McBride pro­vided an overview of recent projects, includ­ing subdivisions such as Crimson Estates, Sunflower and Oaken Acres, and recreation­al developments like Elohi, Camp Kaia and Camp Korongo. Build­ing permit applica­tions have declined from more than 200 in 2022 to fewer than 60 in 2025.

Commissioners also discussed efforts to establish guardrails around the prelimi­nary municipality pro­cess. Commissioner Meyeres called a pend­ing bill “a livable com­promise” and said up­dates would be shared publicly.

McBride also high­lighted projects tied to COVID-19 relief funding that are now entering construction phases.