Applicants propose a 25-acre recovery center in Echo; commission presses for precise zoning and health approvals

At the Eastern Summit County Planning Commission meeting on Feb. 3, applicants Michael Dee and Julie Dee presented a proposal to build a recovery center on a 25-acre parcel near Echo and described plans to keep roughly 2,700–2,750 acres of the larger property in open space under a long-term lease.

Michael Dee introduced the site and the owners (the Richins family). Julie Dee, who identified herself as a physician in recovery, described the program’s evidence-based approach and emphasized that the facility would not operate as a medical detox: “I am currently in recovery from an opiate addiction,” she said, explaining why she and her husband want to incorporate clinical best practices into the program.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about maximum on-site population (the applicant cited about 30 people at one time), staffing (estimated 10–20 employees), traffic and access routes. Commissioners also raised site-specific concerns: proximity to schools and trails, access over railroad tracks and whether the existing code could permit the site to be used as a resort or lodge in the future if definitions are not tightly written.

One commissioner warned that, unless the county ties the permitted treatment use to a specific zone and location, a poorly written definition could allow a conversion to resort or short-term lodging. Staff agreed this is a key point and said they will return with more exact definitions and potential zoning approaches (for example, a health-care zone or carefully scoped conditional-use standards) before the application proceeds.

Applicants said they have discussed sewer and health-department issues and do not plan a traditional septic system; staff and a commissioner noted the Echo sewer district has had past issues and that health-department sign-off will be required.

The commission did not take formal action on the proposal; staff said they will continue refining code language and return with recommended definitions and ordinance text.