LIVINGSTON — The Park County Commission has initially approved a zoning district to limit commercial development in Suce Creek drainage.
On July 15, county commissioners unanimously voted for creating the Suce Creek Planning and Zoning District, welcomed by public applause. This decision sets a path to curb high-impact commercial projects, as local residents face pressure from development due to the area’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
The vote follows a nine-month period since a local environmental group exposed a Miami developer’s proposal for over 100 buildings and 400 parking spaces on a 90-acre land in Suce Creek drainage. This revelation highlighted the vulnerability of Park County’s rural character to unsuitable developments.
Maggie McGuane, a leading figure in the zoning initiative, emphasized the remarkable unity among Suce Creek residents despite diverse views on zoning and property rights. She noted that the controversial proposal was a catalyst for meaningful discussions about the neighborhood’s future.
“Flex Capital’s [proposal] was the jumping off point that got us together, but it ended up being a really important conversation about the future of that neighborhood,” she stated.
McGuane acknowledged the significant time and financial investment required for drafting and gathering signatures. However, she highlighted the community-building benefits that arise from the process.
Bryan Wells, newly elected to the county commission, lauded the zoning proponents for their collaborative efforts. He noted, “I have a little bit of an issue with citizen-initiated zoning because it always bothers me that 60% can force 40% of their neighbors into something they want. But you went well beyond 60% to 85%. That is pretty amazing.”
Next, the Park County Planning and Zoning Commission will review the 34-page proposed regulations on August 12, before making a recommendation to the Park County Commission for a final vote.
The regulations outline permissible land uses within the district, focusing on protecting agricultural and rural residential environments while preventing incompatible commercial and industrial developments.
THE ROLE OF RECENT PLANNING VOTES
Should the proposal be adopted, Suce Creek will be among the few areas in Park County with zoning rules. Park County, stretching from Wilsall to Cooke City, has faced ongoing discussions about growth and development. In June 2024, voters rejected a bid to repeal the county’s growth plan, which aimed to prevent county-wide zoning.
Randy Carpenter, Friends of Park County’s executive director, believes in stronger zoning protections for ecologically sensitive regions. He emphasized the need for zoning accompanied by detailed mapping.
“I understand why they [considered the agricultural and residential preservation zoning district] and I think it would be better than nothing,” said Carpenter. He supports the Suce Creek zoning but calls for broader county-wide discussions.
Erica Lighthiser from the Park County Environmental Council described zoning as a topic with cyclical public interest. She promotes local planning processes to give residents a say in development matters.
Recognizing the challenges McGuane and others faced in their zoning efforts, Lighthiser noted: “To expect that that’s how we can move forward with land-use planning in Park County is a big ask.” She advocates for county-facilitated planning to simplify the process for communities.
Park County Planner Mike Inman, observing nearly two decades of local planning developments, is eager to see how current commissioners will address zoning in the future.
“They haven’t really been asked the question as to whether or not they support any kind of county-[led] effort,” Inman said, noting the anticipation surrounding the new administration’s growth strategy.
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