ROCK SPRINGS – While the Rock Springs Planning Division saw an increase in applications in 2014, the Public Services Department is anticipating minimal growth in 2015.

In 2014, Planning Division applications increased by approximately 4 percent from the previous year, reflecting an overall minimal increase in new commercial and industrial development. However, Major Site Plan applications nearly tripled from the previous year, with major development projects including the Stagecoach Elementary School, the Aspen Mountain Medical Center, the My Place Hotel (64 rooms), and the Peterbilt of Wyoming industrial site.

In addition, subdivision improvements for four new subdivisions were formally accepted by the City Council during the year, including the Kay Addition (13 lots), the City’s Edge Subdivision (38 lots), the Gunsight Estates Subdivision (40 lots), and the Estates at Whispering Pines Subdivision (19 lots).

One significant increase in workload for Planning staff was seen in Occupation Tax application reviews (more commonly known as “business licenses”), which increased from 121 in 2013 to 152 in 2014.

Planning staff also undertook three Zoning Ordinance language amendments during the year, including a major overhaul of the residential sections of the Ordinance that allowed for accessory dwellings in certain areas of the City.

In 2015, the Planning Division expects to see a minimal increase in the overall number of development applications submitted as the oil and gas economy is uncertain at this time. Important projects for staff in 2015 will include implementation of the City’s Master Plan, participation with the City’s Business and Economic Development Alliance, assistance with the Bunning Park Rehabilitation project, and continued support of the Bitter Creek Reconstruction Project.

The Planning Division handles both current and long range planning activities for the City of Rock Springs in order to ensure that all future development is consistent with the City’s Master Plan and vision for the future. In addition to providing day to day support for the public, this Department’s main responsibilities include the following:

• Coordinate the implementation of the City’s Master Plan with the City Council and Department Heads.
• Administer the City’s Zoning & Subdivision Ordinances in collaboration with the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
• Manage the utility review process for commercial and industrial developments.
• Provide floodplain administration.
• Oversee business licensing and home occupation permitting.
• Issue residential zoning permits (sheds, fences, driveways, etc.).
• Handle zoning code enforcement cases.

Building Division

In late 2014, Building and Planning staff implemented a new permit and inspection tracking system for the department which has increased efficiency and reporting for both divisions. Staff has been training on the new system for several weeks and has received positive feedback from many contractors and developers.

In 2014, the Building Division saw a slight increase from the previous year in the number of permits issued – 875 in 2013 compared with 924 in 2014. Valuation of permits increased by an amazing 121% from the previous year at a total of $98.9 million, reflective of several major construction projects being undertaken during the year.

In 2014, there were 77 single family detached building permits issued. This number is 10 more than 2013, when only 67 such permits were issued. In addition, building permits were issued for Phase 2 of the Preserve at Rock Springs Apartments complex which will have 10 buildings with a total of 112 new apartment units once completed.

Increases were also seen in the number of excavation/grading permits (up from 21 to 30), the number of mobile home permits (up from 16 to 23), the number of non-residential permits (up from 16 to 26), and the number of other miscellaneous permits (up from 13 to 49).

Decreases were seen in the number of addition/alteration/conversion permits (down from 725 to 673) and demolition permits (down from 17 to 7). For 2015, the Building Division expects to see a minimal or slight decrease in construction activity from the previous year.