Moore Ranch to become private resort

by Cat Urbigkit

Although Sublette County Commissioners heard a variety of planning and zoning issues Tuesday, the one that generated the most discussion was the proposal for the 160-acre Moore Ranch located in the Upper Green River region.

Lifestyle Development Company requested a zoning district boundary change. The plan is to rezone 40 acres into a recreational service district, with the remaining 120 acres retained in resource conservation zoning and becoming subject to a conservation easement. The 40 acres will become a private destination resort, with associated outdoor recreational facilities and uses.

According to county planner Bart Myers, the applicant had originally wanted to switch to agricultural zoning to allow a guest ranch, but then learned the development proposal didn’t fit that description. The facility will not be open to the public, and will only be available to members with ownership of the private resort.

All development will occur on 40 acres, and will include a dining lodge, up to 16 cabins with bathrooms, barn and other accessories. The maximum occupancy allowed will be 32 guests at one time, with six employees.

Although the County Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended on a split 3-2 vote in favor of recommending approval, the county commission asked a few questions, discussed the proposal and then cast a unanimous vote for approval.

The commission approved the preliminary and final plat for the Walter Minor Subdivision to subdivide 35 acres off South Bench Road into two lots.

The commission also approved the Borzenski Minor Subdivision to subdivide 40 acres along Highway 352 near the Cora Y into two lots.

The commission approved a change of zoning district boundary for John and Penny Chrisman to rezone five acres in the South Piney area from agricultural to rural residential to create a lot for future development of a single-family dwelling.

The commission approved a zone district boundary application for Donald Shriver to rezone 10 acres of agricultural land in the Ehman Lane area into rural residential to create a lot for development of a family exemption parcel.

The commission approved the preliminary and final plat for the Kozeal Minor Subdivision to subdivide 14 acres into two lots in the area of the North Piney Cottonwood County Road.

The commission approved a 20-foot setback variance for Jay and Ann Fear to allow construction of an accessory building on their property adjacent to the Town of Pinedale.