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Utah Glamping Development Denied

During its last meeting, Utah’s Grand County Commission held a public hearing about the possibility of a glamping development called Entrada Moab near the junction of Highway 191 and State Road 313.

The plan includes 16 tent sites, an activity center, spa, swimming pools, a panoramic deck, and trails, as per a report.

The developer, a Fruita, Colorado local, said that he intends to reserve the majority of the 544 acres in a conservation easement. He also plans to include six housing units for employees within the development. However, the current ordinances prevent them from becoming legally binding elements of a development contract.

At the February 15 meeting, the commissioners discussed whether or not to deny the request that the county’s overnight accommodations overlay be applied to the property to allow the glampground.

A few commissioners have stated that they’re not willing to allow any new overnight accommodation units in the meantime until housing stocks for locals have increased.

In the last few years, community members and local leaders have had to contend with a shortage of housing options while the tourism industry continues to grow.

In 2019, policymakers determined a baseline ratio of overnight accommodation units to residential units—1.4 rentals to one primary residential unit—and said they would aim to maintain that ratio.

The ratio is currently 1.7 overnight units for each primary residential unit.

“We’re going to be going backward if we keep permitting overnight accommodations—we’re fighting ourselves in that sense,” said Commissioner Trisha Hedin.

“I don’t question the ethics of the developer,” said Commission Chair Gabe Woytek, but said he was not comfortable moving the overnight to primary residence unit ratio in the wrong direction. “It’s so challenging. I see it every single day, the crisis that we’re in,” he said.

“I’m still a hard ‘no’ on approving overnight accommodations until there’s more progress from a housing ratio aspect.”

On the other hand, certain commissioners have pointed out that denial of the Entrada Moab application could leave the property open to new potential developments that may be less desirable.

The parcel’s current range and grazing zoning allow low-density housing and agriculture development. Another developer may pursue these possibilities without the assurance of maintaining a large part of the parcel—along with recreational access and scenic routes—as open, undeveloped space.

Projects already permitted under the current zoning would not require the commission’s approval.

“[Having] more overnight accommodations is bad, I agree,” said Commissioner Kevin Walker. “But that’s not the only bad thing in the world, and it’s not the only bad thing that can happen.” Walker also noted that the state legislature has its eye on Grand County and may be inclined to step in if it sees Grand County as stonewalling all new development.

Commissioner Mary McGann spoke in favor of the project, saying that it would offer an opportunity to protect a great deal of land.

A majority of the commission decided 5-1 to deny the application, understanding that they would reconsider it if it came before them again with guarantees of the plan’s conservation easement and employee housing.

McGann opposed the motion, and Commissioner Evan Clapper was absent from the meeting.

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BryceOrion
BryceOrion
February 16, 2024 2:31 pm

This rejected glamping proposal in Utah sparked a debate about the economic benefits of tourism versus the need for affordable housing. Proponents argued it could bring in revenue and create jobs, while opponents raised valid concerns about preserving the community’s residential character. It’s a compelling dilemma.

FelixAura
FelixAura
March 13, 2024 4:05 am

Can’t believe the glamping proposal got denied in Utah! Seems like they had it in the works for years. People are happy about it, wanting to protect the natural beauty there!

JadeG5K7H91
JadeG5K7H91
March 20, 2024 1:46 pm

Isn’t it interesting to think about how decisions on glamping developments in Utah can affect both tourism and housing needs? Finding that sweet spot where both sides are considered can pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive growth in the area. What do you think?

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