Commission approves 105.51‑acre agricultural protection area for Webster property

The Iron County Commission voted unanimously Nov. 24 to approve a 105.51‑acre agricultural protection area for property owned by Clark and Ruth Webster, extending statutory protections under Utah Code section 17.81.

Planner Brett presented the public hearing record and said the proposal met the five statutory criteria: the land is currently and historically in agricultural use (alfalfa, forage, lambing sheds, corrals and crop storage), is zoned for agricultural use, has agricultural infrastructure, is viable for continued agricultural production and shows continued demand for sheep and lamb operations. He noted both the Agricultural Protection Area Advisory Board and the county Planning Commission recommended approval.

One public commenter, Robert Boulou of Cedar City, urged support and said local agricultural land can become a lasting community asset. Brett emphasized statutory protections that limit local nuisance designations, restrict certain zoning changes without owner consent and add a revised eminent‑domain process for lands in protection areas.

Commissioner 5 moved to approve the ag protection area under the revised code numbering (17.81). After a second, the motion carried with an affirmative voice vote. The designation lasts a minimum of 20 years and property owners may petition to remove land later; staff noted adjacent owners may apply separately if they wish to be considered.