DON'T MISS THIS PUBLIC HEARING!

Wendorff’s Seek Backdoor to Resort Zone

Following an outpouring of concerns by neighbors, Teton County Planning & Zoning Commissioners recommended approval (4-2) of the applicant’s Special Use Permit (SUP) for an already erected ‘event barn’ in the quiet southwest corner of the Valley. The recommendation was accompanied by a list of 7 conditions of approval that were added to the 5 Staff recommended conditions of approval - PLUS a recommendation for a neighborhood meeting. Listen to the PZC hearing HERE.

Now, the final decision falls in the hands of the Board of County Commissioners who will consider this application at the public hearing on March 11th. Don’t miss this opportunity to speak up and let Commissioners know your thoughts - we’ll be there! 

Read VARD’s 9-page comment letter HERE. It's worth a read!

A few key concerns:

SUP’s Run with the Land - Should the Wendorff’s choose to sell this whole property as a defacto mini-resort - complete with a lake for swimming - nothing could be done to stop it.

Forgiveness, Not Permission - This method is not how development rights are obtained in Teton Valley. The applicant’s choice to build an event barn prior to obtaining proper approvals was the choice they made. As professional developers in California, the ignorance defense holds no water. 

This is a Rural Agriculture Zone - The desired land uses within the RA Zone include, “Agriculture; ranching; low density residential, with provisions for clustering/conservation developments to protect natural resources or rural character; conservation and wildlife habitat enhancement/protection.” The applicants are responsible for providing details within their SUP application as to how their proposed use would conform with the zoning - and how it would conform with other property uses within their zoning district. 

View application materials HERE.

View staff report and read public comments (from PZC hearing) HERE.

Trestles Subdivision & Wildflower Reserve

Two of the large development proposals south of Driggs - Trestles and Wildflower Reserve - are heading to the Board of County Commissioners on denial recommendations from the Planning & Zoning Commission. 

With 8 subdivisions pending in this area alone, the impacts that would come with this scale of development, in this location, are extraordinary. If these subdivisions are approved as currently proposed - under the old 2.5-acre zoning code - it could mean 249 lots, with 498 homes. Individual wells, individual septic systems, more traffic and more construction vehicles would engulf the open and pristine entrance to Driggs that we all love and value. The significance of this gateway is well recognized in the current zoning code - which gives this area its own unique zoning designation of Rural Residential 20-acre average density - which highlights the preciousness of this City→Country transitional border that has existed for over a century now. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.

Idaho & Wyoming Commissioners Talk Targhee

Teton County, Idaho and Wyoming Commissioners met today for a joint discussion on the Targhee Environmental Impact Statement that is still in the works. If you missed the meeting, you can listen to it HERE.