Evanston local news summary
Week of February 22, 2026
Council advances ADU ordinance with caretaker amendment
Public meeting set for city master plan discussion
City authorizes sale of surplus land on Cheyenne Drive
Franchise agreement with Visionary Communications passes first reading
Residents reminded to clear streets for snow plows
Commission approves more than $85,000 in tax roll corrections
Sheriff Andy Kopp appointed to Museum Board
Maple Subdivision approved for residential rezoning
UL & R Subdivision gains approval pending municipal signature
Cottonwood #3 Subdivision moves forward
Easement granted for truck parking and wetland mitigation
Council advances ADU ordinance with caretaker amendment
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The Evanston City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2601, amending zoning codes to allow nonfamily members to occupy accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on a temporary or intermittent basis for caretaker services. In a unanimous vote, the council added provisions requiring property owners to reside in either the primary or accessory unit for more than 50 percent of the calendar year to deter absentee landlords. The ordinance also mandates that ADUs smaller than 400 square feet must adhere to "tiny house" codes.
Public meeting set for city master plan discussion
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Planning and Engineering Director Dean Barker announced a public open house to discuss the city's upcoming master plan, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Roundhouse & Railyards. Barker encouraged residents to attend the session to provide input and noted that a survey is available on the city's website and via QR codes in advertisements to help guide the planning process.
City authorizes sale of surplus land on Cheyenne Drive
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The council voted unanimously to solicit sealed bids for an odd-shaped, two-acre parcel of city-owned land on Cheyenne Drive near the Burton Hill commercial development, which City Attorney Mark Harris noted was historically used for the city's water reservoir system. The city set a minimum bid of $102,200 for the property to cover the appraised value and administrative costs, with bids scheduled to be opened in March.
Franchise agreement with Visionary Communications passes first reading
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Ordinance 2602, which grants a franchise agreement to Visionary Communications to operate a telecommunications system in Evanston, passed on its first reading despite some debate over the contract terms. Council Member Jennie Hegeman expressed concerns regarding the proposed 10-year term and the 4 percent franchise fee, suggesting a lower fee might benefit consumers and requesting a five-year review period; council members agreed to seek further feedback from Visionary regarding these negotiation points before the second reading.
Residents reminded to clear streets for snow plows
EVANSTON, Wyo. — With winter storms forecast, Council Member Jennie Hegeman urged residents to assist snow plow operators by removing garbage cans and vehicles from the streets to allow city crews to manage snow removal more effectively and safely. Mayor Kent Williams also noted recent accidents on the freeway and encouraged drivers to exercise caution during the inclement weather.
Commission approves more than $85,000 in tax roll corrections
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Uinta County commissioners approved a series of tax roll corrections for several energy companies involving significant adjustments for tax years 2020 through 2023. The authorized changes include refunds and adjustments for Wapiti Operating LLC totaling more than $30,000 for tax years 2020, 2021 and 2023, as well as corrections for Hilcorp Energy Co. exceeding $55,000 for the 2023 tax year. The commission also approved adjustments for Urban Oil & Gas Group LLC and Wexpro Co. following a review of the assessments.
Sheriff Andy Kopp appointed to Museum Board
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The commission voted unanimously to appoint Uinta County Sheriff Andy Kopp to the Museum Board for a three-year term. Kopp, who has served as sheriff since 2023, will join the advisory body following the board's approval of the appointment. The motion to confirm the assignment was passed without opposition during the regular meeting.
Maple Subdivision approved for residential rezoning
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Maple Subdivision and a corresponding map amendment following a public hearing. The authorization rezones a portion of Section 33, T16N, R114W from Agricultural/Resource/Development to Residential land use. During the hearing opened by County Planner Kent Williams, Eric Wall of Uinta Engineering spoke in favor of the proposal, and no public opposition was raised.
UL & R Subdivision gains approval pending municipal signature
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The commission authorized a map amendment to rezone the UL & R Subdivision in Section 34, T16N, R114W from Agricultural/Resource/Development to Residential. Final approval for the project is contingent upon the addition of the town of Lyman's signature block to the official documentation. Eric Wall of Uinta Engineering advocated for the project during the public hearing, which preceded the unanimous vote.
Cottonwood #3 Subdivision moves forward
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Commissioners approved Resolution 26-06 to authorize the Cottonwood #3 Subdivision, located in Lot 2, Block 1 of the Cottonwood Subdivision within Section 34, T16N, R114W. County Planner Kent Williams reported that no public opposition was voiced during the hearing regarding the project. Similar to the UL & R proposal, the commission's approval is pending the addition of a signature block for the town of Lyman.
Easement granted for truck parking and wetland mitigation
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The commission approved a state easement application to facilitate a 10-year wetland mitigation easement, a borrow area and a temporary construction permit. Requested by Economic Development Director Gary Welling, the easement supports the construction of a proposed semitruck parking area in Section 23, T15N, R120W. The board authorized the application to move forward to support local infrastructure development.
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