Neighbor warns commissioners a proposed RV campground could strain shared well, raise safety concerns

Tammy Lettet, who identified herself as representing Nevada Deer Springs Ranch, told the Kane County Commission during public comment that a neighbor plans to open an RV campground and that residents learned about it by accident. "We found out by sheer accident last week that 1 of our neighbors wants to put in a campground, an RV park," she said, adding the proposed use could directly affect water availability on a shared well. "The well that they are on is the same well that we are on. We have 2 lots on that well. There's only 6 lots on that well," Lettet said, describing low retention‑tank levels this year.

Lettet also raised fire‑safety concerns for a rural area with limited rapid emergency response, worried about trash disposal and nighttime noise, and asked whether the county could act to protect full‑time residents. "What can you do to keep us safe if there are people there that don't realize they're in a very fragile area?" she asked.

County land‑use staff Shannon responded that campgrounds are reviewed through a conditional use permit (CUP) administered by the Planning Commission rather than the county commission. Shannon said CUPs require site‑specific mitigation conditions — including fire‑warden approval for campfires and road improvements to provide emergency access — and that CUPs carry enforcement options. "If this campground goes in and they are not abiding by their conditions, it can be revoked and no longer be used," Shannon said. Staff also noted where county trash service is absent, campgrounds are typically expected to operate on a "pack in, pack out" basis; neighbors may report violations to the county for photographic verification and potential revocation of the permit.

The commission did not take action on the matter at the meeting; staff invited affected neighbors to review the CUP conditions and contact the county if they observe violations.