Although most neighbors supported the idea, a woman’s plans to start a landscape and greenhouse business east of Cody have been blocked by her subdivision’s covenants, Park County’s zoning regulations and commissioners.
Kendra Morris, the owner of Pollen Landscapes, hoped to build multiple greenhouses and a pole barn on a vacant 3.72-acre parcel that lies just south of U.S. Highway 14/16/20. The problem is the proposal would add more square feet of commercial space than is allowed in the residential area.
Morris asked county commissioners to grant her an exception to the zoning rules — known as a variance — but they rejected the request on a 3-2 vote last month.
“I believe there are other commercial properties in the Cody area where this [project] could happen,” Commissioner Lloyd Thiel said of Morris’ plans. He joined with commissioners Jake Fulkerson and Dossie Overfield in voting to deny Morris’ request on May 21.
“I’m really torn on this one because I truly support economic development, small business, all that,” said Thiel. “But it is within a very strict residential subdivision with [covenants].”
The 3.72-acre parcel of land lies within the Country Club Ranchettes Subdivision, where the covenants prohibit commercial businesses.
Two leaders of the homeowners’ association, Bob Darling and Richard Lasko, told commissioners there was widespread support for Morris’ plans — and that the landowners are thinking about relaxing the subdivision’s rules.