Planning commission approves Wilson Arch Resort Phase 2 conditional use permit for lodging

The San Juan County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit that authorizes lodging and overnight accommodations for Wilson Arch Resort Phase 2, allowing up to 73 units with conditions requiring building‑, fire‑ and health‑code compliance and a five‑year review period. The motion to approve included an amendment to add the Utah Department of Transportation to condition 3 and carried with no recorded nays.

Staff told the commission the property is in an A‑1 zone with a possible commercial overlay and recommended a five‑year review period to ensure ongoing progress and compliance with conditions. "Staff has reviewed the application and believes the proposed use can be considered subject to appropriate conditions," staff member Craig Nielsen said, noting the approval does not replace future subdivision, building or other regulatory approvals. Applicant Curtis Wells said the plan will vacate the previous plat, replat for a clustered resort layout and coordinate infrastructure with the Wilson Arch water and sewer district.

Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on water and fire‑flow capacity. The special service district provided a will‑serve but cautioned that separate systems cannot simply be combined to meet fire‑flow thresholds; staff said necessary engineering and any required upgrades will be addressed during building permits and development agreements. "We're gonna have to figure out the... water and sewer on it right now," the applicant said, adding the developer expects to drill wells or upgrade infrastructure where required and then turn infrastructure over to the district.

Next steps include finalizing the written decision to reflect the approved conditions (including the UDOT reference) and subsequent return of the applicant to the county for subdivision platting, building permits and the detailed engineering required before construction proceeds.