Commission denies request to rezone 195 acres in West Canyon amid water and access concerns

Utah County commissioners voted unanimously to deny a proposed rezoning that would have changed roughly 195 acres in a West Canyon area from mining-and-grazing to a CE-2 (critical environment 2) classification, which can allow higher-density recreational or residential uses when certain conditions are met.

Bryce Armstrong, planning staff, described the parcel as remote, accessible by graded county roads that terminate at a privately maintained gate, and subject to urban-wildlife interface and other natural-hazard concerns. A public commenter, Terry Messer Smith of the Lehi Cattlemen's Association, urged denial on hydrology and stewardship grounds, saying many springs had dried up and that the area was a sensitive watershed: “I think of the 9 springs that we draw on, 6 of the 9 are basically dried up over the last few years,” he said.

Commissioners discussed access and water-right constraints and noted that permitting and subdivision would require deeded access and proof of water rights before development could proceed. One commissioner moved to deny the request, citing a failure to meet multiple county code criteria recited during the motion; the motion carried by voice vote (3-0). Staff will notify the applicant of the denial and could consider a future application if the applicant can demonstrate compliance with the cited standards.