The county is improving environmental regulations and providing an opportunity for public comment

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Residents can now evaluate changes in the way Teton County restricts land use to protect the environment.

Teton County recently released a draft plan to update its environmental zoning regulations, also known as the Natural Resources Overlay (NRO).

Teton County’s overlay guidelines date back several decades. They were first implemented to reduce environmental impacts on groundwater, steep slopes and wildlife habitats.

Under the current system, properties are listed as being within or outside the NRO boundaries.

This fall’s draft plan would introduce a three-tier system with limits that would dictate the process for adding investments.

According to Ryan Hostetter, joint long-term planner, the new properties will fall into one of three categories, rather than the general boundaries that currently exist.

Developments, such as accessory units, and required environmental assessments depend on location and ground level.

For “basic level” a checklist is sent. The next stage is ‘mid-level’, which indicates that the property has more resources, so an environmental specialist will look at the property and make recommendations for development plans.

Properties classified as ‘high tier’ are slightly more simplified by environmental assessment requirements, which are similar to the process that all properties currently have to follow under the existing Natural Resources Overlay – NRO for short.

Hostetter said there are exceptions for agriculture and certain single-family additions.

“Currently, there are some exceptions in the NRO,” Hostetter said. “We tried to honor it and move it around to make it as similar as possible.”

Hostetter recommended anyone considering development to view their property on the website map design to see the potential suitable level. Anyone with questions should contact her office.

County commissioners could vote on the overlay change proposal as early as November 19. In the meantime, the county planning commission wants to hear from the public and will hold a meeting on Oct. 14 to discuss the project.